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TKe Co^wboy and o 
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CLYDE riTCH 




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ALICE: KAUSER 

1402 Broadwa^r New YorK City g 

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TKe Co\vboy and 
tHe Lady 



BY 

CLYDE riTCH 




ALICi: nAUSER 

1402 Broadwa;>r New TorK City 



The Cowboy and the lady 



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All rights reserved 
BY CLYDE FITCH and ALICE KAUSER. 



PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. 

The acting rights of this play are reserved by the author. 
Performance is strictly forbidden unless her express con- 
sent has first been obtained, and attention is called to the 
penalties provided by law for any infringements of her 
rights, as follows : — 

" Sec. 4966:— Any person publicly performing or repre- 
senting any dramatic or musical composition for which 
copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the 
proprietor of said dramatic or mvisical composition, or his 
heirs and assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, 
such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not 
less than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars 
for every subsequent performance, as to the court shall 
appear to be just. If the unlawful performance and repre- 
sentation be willful and for profit, such person or persons 
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be 
imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — TT. S. 
Revised Statues, Title 60, Chap. 3. 






SYNOPSIS 



Act I — The Ranch. 
Act II— The Dance Hall. 
Act III — Silverville. 
Period — Nowada ys. 
Place — Colorado. 



CHARACTERS 

Teddy North Harmrd '80 

Bill Ransom Hnnard '90 

Weston 

Quick Foot Jim 

Joe 

Pete 

Dave 

Dick Rod 

Judge 

District Attorney 

Sheriff 

Foreman of Jury 

Mrs. Weston 

Midge 

Molly Larkins Proprietress of the dance hall 

Miss Prissims Pianist at the dance hall 

Miss Carton 

Miss Larabee 

Clerks. Cotohojfs and other Men and Women 

doubles 

Ransom and Attorney Judge and Sheriff 

Rod and Foreman Weston and Court Sheriff 



ACT I 

Scene — Teddy's Ranch. Across the stage from b. to c. 
is the house. It stands on a ledge (evidently) ; behind it, 
beyond the gnlly, rises a momrtain in the near distance. 
There are boulders and small, hardy trees about. The sky 
is very blue, the clouds irhitc mid fleecy: the green of 
the foliage, such as there is, is very bright, all shoioing a 
clear,, rarified air, high up. .4. path goes from the porch off 
I-. r. and R., also one goes extreme r. hetween house and 
proscenium arch. The path that leads off l. u. is 
the principal one, and shows that as it disappears 
it makes an abrupt descent. The horses are not ridden up 
to the house, but are left at the foot of this steep path. 
There are common kitchen chairs in the porch, and an old 
soap box, which also serves as a stool or .'teat. 

Musio — " Hanging Danny Deaver," etc. 

Discovered — At the rise of Curtain, enter QUICK FOOT 
JIM L. very slowly. He is a half -breed ; he 1ms an Indian 
cast of features — his hair is very black and oily and hangs 
straight and rather long: he is of fine physique, and is a 
handsome creature of his type. He half swings, half glides 
along in a motion habitual ivith him. He speaks the Eng- 
lish of the cotvboy tvith a slight accent of the Indian. He 
gives vent to a guttural sound once in a while, as indicated 
in the text, and expressive of a thought or decision. He 
is dressed as a cowboy, with the broad, decorated trousers. 
He is picturesque and attractive. At l. c. he hesitates and 
looks about him: listens a moment. Grunts, as much, as to 
say. " \o one is there,'' and fines to door and pushes it open, 
but does not enter. 

Time — NOON of a bright early summer day. 

Jim — Hello, there ! 

Ransom (from inside )-^Hel]o. Jim ! 

Jim — Anybody here? 

Ransom — No ; everybody gone. 

Jim — Ain't you anybody? 

Ransom (appearing in doorway) — I meant Teddy and 
the rest of the boys. (RANSOM is a strong, fine man about 
thirty — a lawyer by profes.non, but now going in for ranch 
life. HE uears a dark blue shirt well open at the neck 
and dark trousers turned into high boots. His hair needs 



6 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

cutting, and brushing, too, at the moment. He holds a hook 
in one arm, finger marking the place. HE smiles pleas- 
antly at Jim.) 

Jim — Me knows where the boys are. They all's to old 
Tanner's lynching. 

Ransom — They are lynching old Tanner, then? 

Jim — Yaas. 

Ransom — Well. Teddy's over by the Spring Rock with 
some of the stock. 

Jim — Well, mebbe yon do. (Pauses and grunts.) Who's 
the new people from the sunrise land — they what's come to 
the Wheatly ranch? 

Ransom — Mr. and Mrs. Weston? He's here for his health. 

Jim (interrupts aith a grunt) — He no give his health 
chance ; if he no take care he die with his boots on. 

Ransom,— i//s. Weston is a stunner — and can ride any- 
thing ! You'll like her ! 

Jim — Mebbe. 

Ransom — What's the matter? (Going nearer Jim, off of 
porch.) 

Jim— Nothing. (Grunt.) The dude boss he like Mrs. 
Weston. 

Ransom— How did you know that? 

Jim — The husband he say so. 

Ransom (more interested and serious) — Was he angry? 

Jim — No. He only laugh. 

Ransom (under his breath)— The cur! Who did Weston 
tell this to? 

Jim — My girl ! (Grunts.) 

Ransom— Why did he tell your girl that? 

Jim (starts, looks off i..) — Here he come now. 

Ransom (leans nut and looks off L.j — I don't want to see 
him. Meet him, Jim. and say no one's home. (HE goes in 
aud. closes the door softly hehind, then the sound of draw- 
ing a bolt. JIM leaps doivn from the porch; as he re<iches 
the ground WESTON enters u HE is a good-looking man 
bettceen 30 and 40 — a selfish man, thinking only of his oxen 
pleasures; honest icith men from habit, dishonest with 
women for the same reason.) 

Weston— Hello thei-e, you brave Redman of the Forest — 
are the boys here? (Coming down c.) 

Jim — No. All gone. 

Weston— To the lynching? Why aren't you along? 

Jim (darkly) — Jim got another lynching in his min'. 

Weston — Gad ! I'm glad you've got something in that 
noble receptacle. (Clapping his hand on Jim's forehead. 
JIM strikes away his tiand with a snarl. Xes i..) 

Jim (with a change of manner and voice to dogged threat- 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 7 

cuing) — Me don't want no one else fooling aronnd t)iy i/irl. 

Weston — Oh. yon're too damn particnlar ! 

Jim — That's what Jim come to say to dnde hoss. (Goes 
nearer him. J 

Weston — What? 

Jim — If you no stop trying to steal my girl, you find 
heap big trouble. (Goes nearer him.) 

Weston — The mistress of the Silverville dance hall isn't 
your girl! 

Jim (angry grunt) — You know Jim mean Molly Larkins 
all the samey. 

Weston — The girl's free to choose. (Turns t.) 

Jim — Mebbe — but you ain't. (Going up to him.) 

Weston— That's none of your business ! 

Jim — Ain't it? 

Weston — Get out of my way or I'll knock you down ! 
(Moves uphill.) 

Jim (slowly draws aside, looking tip at Weston from 
under his eyebrows with <i xinister look) — You knock me 
down when the water it run uii hill. 

Weston (passes, sneering, and .^ipeaks as he moves with 
his haek to Jim i.. e. without looking around) — The first 
thing you know I'll have the Sheriff look after you as a 
dangerous character. (Xes r. and up to the door.) 

(JIM grunts and slowly exits l. WESTON tries door ;• it 
is locked; knocks; there is no answer. HE knocks again: 
no answer— he whistles.) 

Ransom (inside; confidentially) — Is that you. Jim? 

Weston — It's Weston. 

Ransom (disappointed — without thinking) — Oh. damn ! 

Weston — What's up? 

Ransom— Nothing. (Opens door, hut not very wide, and 
stands in the opening -w as to block the way.) The hoys 
are seeing the last of poor little Midge's father. By the 
way. be careful you don't say anything before the girl : she 
doesn't know the old brute's being strung up. It would 
hurt her tender little heart. We want to just let his mem- 
ory and himself die out of her life. (Far in the dif^tancc 
is heard MEN'S VOICES, singing the air of ""Hang Jeff 
Davis on a Sour Apple Tree." etc. This grows louder slowly 
as the men approach.) There are the fellows now coming 
back from the lynching. I hope they won't meet her. 

Weston (looking up at Ransom cunningly) — So you're- 
looking after the girl now ! 

Ransom (angry) — Do you mean au insult? 

Weston — You don't mean to pretend that old black- 
guard's daughter (Interrupted.) 

Ransom — I mean to say that Tanner's daughter is a child 



8 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

of God's mountains, not of his hlackj^iiardian of your dance 
hall, and as pure a little soul as ever breathed. And you 
liad better pretend to believe that, too. if you want to come 
to this ranch. (WESTOX vhistles.) 

Weston — But. my dear man. you must acknowledge the 
way she lives (Interrupted.) 

Ransom (interrupting) — Teddy went this morning to do 
his best and persuade her to come and live with us. 

Weston — Here with you two men? 

Ransom- — I am drawing out the papers now which will 
make Midge legally Teddy's sister. 

Weston — Oh ! 

Ransom- — And. to finish. I am gradvaUy losing my tem- 
per. Weston ; don't make me lose it altogethrr. (A rifle 
SHOT is heard.) There she is — hurrah! Teddy's brought 
her with him 

Weston (depreeiatingly) — What's North shooting? 

Ransom — That wasn't Teddy's rifle ; that's Midge's usual 
signal. She calls it ringing the front door bell. Have 
you been here a fortnight and don't know she's the cham- 
pion woman rifle shooter of Colorado— and. for that matter. 
I'll bet. of the world. (The MEN singing have been coming 
nearer, and voir THEY enter l. DAVE. JOE, PETE, and 
FOUR OTHERS. MIDGE enters b. v. e., holds her rifle 
over her b. shoulder. They nxttice MIDGE, and, the singing 
suddenly stops.) 

Midge (very girlLsh. free in gesture and manner from 
the purity of her nature and, her unconventional life) — 
Hello, boys: what's the matter? Where've youR been to? 

Joe — Where have we been to? (MIDGE e. c. loith MEN 
L. c. .1 moment's pause, the MEN hesitate to <rnstver.) 

Miuge (interrupting) — You've been up to some lark. now. 
ain't you? (MEN silent.) (Laughing) I declare! Are you 
.ill struck dumb? 

Joe — Well, you see, we all's jos' ben nowheres! 

Midge — Fudge ! Well, men beat me. I never join this 
gang that I don't interrupt something. I'm off ; I ain't 

spoiling sport (She turns to the men.) Oh, I say, 

which'll hold their hat for a target? 

All Men (holding up their hats in their right hands) — 
Me! 

Midge (laughing delightedly)- — Oh. w^ell, I can't hit 'em 
all. You, Joe! (ALL but JOE drop their hats; MIDGE 
aims at Joe's hat and fires. JOE quickly takes it doivn to 
look, as the MEN also croud around to sec it, except WES- 
TON and- RANSOM, who are e. with MIDGE.) 

Joe — Clean through the blamed middle! 

All Men— Hurrah for Midge! 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY !) 

Midge — Tliut's my card. Now. I'll make myself scarce, 
so you all can have your fun out. I know ! Sometliin' not 
keyrect fur gals. (HHE goea to door, turns in the doortcay, 
iind puttinn her forefinger hy her nose speaks in a queer, 
low voiee.) Oh, my! (ALL hiiir/h, and MIDGE exits r. in 
house.) 

Weston — So they've lynched Midge's father at last, have 
they? (Coming down.) 

i?ANS0M — Ssh ! Not so loud. (Closes door, with a glanee 
haek at the honse where Midge is.) 

Pete — He fit like a wolf when we eotched him, and he 
was all barricaded in that damned dirty pen of his'n, but of 
course we 'uns was too many fur him, and 'fore long he 
allowed as his jig was up. 

Ransom — Poor old dog! 

Dave — Dog ain't a good enough name ! (Bus. with pipe.) 

Joe — When onct he made up his mind it hed to be, he 
'pea red to like it. 

Pete — Yes ; he behaved so's he hed a sorter pride in a 
ending off that wa.v. 

Weston (smiling) — You don't say so! 

Joe — He actually went up with a grin on his rotten face 
— made him sorter happy to feel he was a-dying the same 
way as bigger'n, dirtier'n. pluckier men 'an' him. 

Ransom — Ugh! Don't talk any more about it. (Waiks 
off io R. of poreh and iookx off vl.) 

Pete (to Joe, loith a gesture indicating Ransom) — Is 
hi Ill's the boss? (ALL MEN smile.) 

Joe — No, him's his pard ; the boss is the fellow what we 
saw down the road this morning 

Pete — Not that dude? 

Joe — You want to call him "dude" to his face onct! 
(The others lavgh and say, "'Yes, go on!" "Do!") 

Weston — Yes ! Go on. do, while we're here to enjoy it. 

Pete (laughing) — So the cuss is game, is he? 

Dave — He's dead game and awful willin'. 

Joe — Put all the amachui'e sluggers to sleep outside of 
Boston fur three years. 

Pete — Why in hell's he dress like a damn fool then? 

Weston — Ask him that once, too! (ALL the others 
laugh, and say, "Yes. go on; ask him!") 

Joe — Yes, in jest them same words ! (With a slugging 
gesture.) Darst — and when you wake up your blessed 
mother won't know you ! 

(ENTER TEDDY R. u. e.) 

Teddy— Hello, boys ! 

Boys— Hello ! 

Teddy — Where's Midge? Is she here? 



10 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Joe — She's in the house. 

Teddy — \yell, she's a sprinter from 'way back. Say, boys, 
you haven't said anything about the lynching of her father, 
have you'/ Hello, Weston, what's up? 

Weston — Expected to find my v/ife here. 

Joe — We've brung along a new boy, boss, as wants to 
join — Pete Crane. (Pushing Crane foricard.) 

Teddy — Glad to see you. Pete. Any friend of Joe's is 
w(?lcoine. (HE shakes Joe's hand, and makes a grimace 
slioiving Teddy's grip is so hard it surprises and hurts him.) 

Pete — I ain't sure as this is exackly the gang for nie. 

Teddy (bridling) — What's the matter with this gang? 

Pete — Well, I ain't no Prince of Wales, myself. 

Teddy — You object to my clothes? Well, a good many 
of the boys stack up against them — or perhaps you don't 
like the height of my collar? Well, I wear that for two 
reasons : it conceals a monotony of neck, and prevents any- 
one getting a half-Nelson on you. (Takes hold of Pete's 
neck.) Y"ou seem to be in pretty good condition, Pete. I 
won't take any chances with you. (Takes off coat and hat.) 
Now, what's it to be — catch-as-catch-can, on the ground go- 
as-you-please, or stand up 

Pete — Why, boss, I ain't got no right to take advantage 
of you. I never got licked in my life. 

Teddy (smiling, coaxing) — ^Well, you're about due. 
(Throwing off his coat and going to r. c.) 

Pete — First man who's back is on the ground loses. I'll 
bet you fifty even ■ 

Teddy — You're on, Pete. (ALL the MEN push and urge 
Pete to go on, saying " Go in — you're in for it," " Oo on." 
FETE takes hold of his coat, the men make a semi-circle, 
and there is a short bout, the MEN applauding, shouting, 
and talking, and at the end of which TEDDY throws Pete. 
The MEN applaud. PETE and TEDDY shake hands, and 
put on their coats, etc.) \ 

Teddy — Nothing to it ! 

Pete — -Well, boss, I'd like to wear one of them collars 
myself. 

Teddy — That's all right. Pete : but you're a bad match- 
maker. Say. boys, I've some news^ — what do you think? 
(THEY all gather around Teddy, including RANSOM, who 
re-enters at this moment.) Midge has come to liA'e with us 
for good — to-day. 

Joe — Three cheers for Midge ! 

All — Hurrah! Hui'rah! Hurrah! 

Teddy — Ransom here is seeing to all the law business, so 
she'll be just like my own sister. 

Pete — Three — for the boss ! 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 11 

All — Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 

Teddy— Boys, you're bricks ! But say, there's only one 
trouble! We've got to take a reef In our lani^uage with 
a young girl about all the time. (PETE ichistlcs loud.) 

Joe — Right you are! 

Weston — This raach'll better adopt young ladies' board- 
ing school rules. 

Teddy — Don't be an ass, Weston ! But be careful, boys, 
about your stories ; nothing strong when she's around. 

Joe (laughiii!/) — Otini? That's good; ourn are all Sun- 
day school books compared Avith youru. (ALL Uuitili.) 

Teddy — Well, of course I'll set you a good example. I'm 
going to get up an entirely new repertoire. Then, there's 
swearing. (ALL titter.) 

Pete — You ain't a-going to gag us, are you? 

Joe (with a iriiiJc to the boys) — Are yon going to set us 
all another example there? 

Teddy — Yes, sir. 

Joe — The limit. (A general movement among ALL the 
men of hninoroits despair at the idea of Teddy ever .smc- 
ceeding, and Joe shouts out, "The limit!'') 

Teddy — Say, boys. I'm not so bad as all that. You see 
this box? (Getting a square box about a foot square made 
irith a slit in the top, from inside doov b..) That goes right 
there (holding it to inside of house to R. of door), and every 
time a fellow swears befoi-e Midge, (Jown goes a quarter. 
Do you understand? (ALL laugh and sag, "All vight, boss." 
etc.) 

Pete — What do you call a swear, anyway? 

Teddy — Beginning with damn, everything that goes be- 
fore and after. (There is a nail on- the wall, and he hanf/s 
the box on it.) And say, boys, that reminds me of a pretty 
good one I heard over at the camp this morning. (Chuek- 
ling with laughter, the MEW come closer, eager to hear.) 
It's about a young married couple, who took a Hudson 
River night boat on their wedding tour to go to Albany ; 

the girl (At the words "young married couple" Midge 

has entered, and comes slowly forward, till at the last word 
" the girl." .JOE sees her.) 

Joe— Ssli! (TEDDY stops blank, with his month wide 

open, and. there's a moment's awkward pause.) 

Teddy — Hello Midge! 

Midge — Hello, go on. I like .iokes on young married folks. 

Teddy — O, damn it. Midge (Interrupted.) 

All (together) — Aye! Aye! A quarter, boss, a quarter! 

Teddy — Ooch! (MIDGE does not understand, and 
TEDDY rises solemnly and feels for a quarter,' finds a 
dollar.) Say, Joe, got change for a dollar? (Joe feels for 



12 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

his jiioiicj/.) Better give it to me all in quarters if you can. 
I'll be sure to need them. (Gives Joe the dollar for some 
chaniye and crosses sIoidI}) to box. Bus. of chanf/e.) 

Midge — AVhat's this, missionaries? 

Teddy (laughing) — Well. I'll be damned if it isn't some- 
thing like it. 

All Boys (laughing) — Pnt in tiro! Put in tiro — • — 

Teddy — By — — ! (HE stops just in time and drops in 
tiro quarters.) Say, I guess I'll have to keep this box just 
for myself, and get another for you boys ! 

Ransom — It's just occurred to me, Teddy, who keeps the 
key? 

Teddy (takes a kei/ from Iris pocket and gives it to 
Midge) — My sister Midge. 

Midge — Dear old Mister Teddy ! (Midge on steps.) 

Teddy — Brother Teddy — from now on 

Midge— But what's it fur? The box? 

Teddy — ^Well. I should judge it was going to be a sort of 
bank for my money! 

(ALL laugh.) 

Midge — But when it's full (interrupted.) 

Teddy (interrupts) — I'll fill it in a week! (ALL chuckle.) 

Midge (continues) — What will I do with all the money? 

Teddy — Whatever you like! (Goes downstairs.) 

Midge (speaking in queer little fine and high, mincing 
roice) — Oh I know. .I'll have a big supper for all the boys, 
and have the Silverville band play. Someone race with me 
to Dead Man's well ; a prize if he gets there five minutes 
ahead of me! (All laugh at her voice; she runs like a 
flash off Stage l. v:ith a second glance at Joe.) 

Teddy — Go on, Joe, that prize is meant for you. 

Ransom — Come, I'll run with you for it. (BOTH men 
run off L.^ 

Teddy — Boys, there's more than one prize in that running. 
Who's going to win? (Goes down c.) 

Weston (coming doivn c.) — Oh, damn it, what chance can 
poor .Toe have against an educated chap like Ransom? 

Teddy (going up to Weston and taking him hy the ear) — 
You said "damn it!" Come along and drop in your quar- 
ter! 

Weston — What are you talking about? Midge wasn't 
here ! 

Teddy — That's so ! Say, was she here when I said it? 

Weston — Of course she was. (ALL laugh.) 

Teddy — Well, you've got to put in a quarter anyway. 
(Pulling him up. MEN all crowd arotind.) 

Weston (struggling) — Not fair — — 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 13 

Teddy — Come on. boys, get the quarter 

Weston (xJioutinfj) — Not fair! (ALL the men in a tiis- 
.^c1 : they (jet n half doUur out of /(/.s* pocket and force it 
into lii.S' hand.) 

Weston — That's a half doUar ! 

Teddy — /.s it!! (One holding his arm out, they lead him 
to the box and niril-e hi)n drop in the money — with constant 
lauyhfer and talking.) 

Weston (half mad) — It's a cheat — — 

Teddy — We'll call it two payments in advance. (DAVE 
and PETE cross over to u. l.^ 

Pete— Hello, there's some 'un comin' over the Niagary 
Pass by the canon, and it ain't safe since them boulders 

fell (Calls with his hands to his month) Hello, there! 

Take care, not safe. 

Da\-e — He can't hear yon from here! (ALL have turned 
'With curiosity and are looking off i..) 

Weston — It's a woman ! 

Dave— The fool ! 

Pete — She's all right, she's passed the break ! 

Teddy — Thank (iod ! (Wiping his forehead.) (To Wes- 
ton) — It's your -wife! 

Weston — My wife! Just like her! Always taking the 
worst chances ! 

Teddy — She married you! 

Weston — Ha! Ha! Very good. (Re-enter JOE.) 

Teddy — Hello, Joe. did you get left? 

Joe (with a irink at Teddy) — Yes. 

Pete — O come off, Joe ! 

Job — ^Well, it wan't no even match — I seen Billy gittin* 
winded, so I jest dropped out. (TEDDY gives Joe an af- 
fectionate and appreciative pat on the shoulder.) 

Pete — She's coming here. Mis' Weston. 

Weston — Is she!! My wife! Ta ta. boys, I'm off. 

(Jumps off piazza and off quickly r. ^.) 

Pete — Say, he ain't very struck on his wife, is he? 

.Toe — Nor her on him. not as I blame her. (JOE lies on 
rorks i..) 

Pete — Exackly ! Not him neither if what they say at the 
camp is true— nothing in pants but what's good enough 
for her to flirt with. 

Dave — By gosh, you're right, she's fly ! 

Joe — They says every cove in Silverville is stuck on her. 
and each son of a gun's dead certain she's gone on him. 

Pete — You can't give no such impression onless some • 

(interrupted.) 

Teddy (quietly but emphatically) — Mrs. Weston is all 
right. 



14 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Joe — He's a re^ilar Donny Quixotty, our boss is ! 

Dave — ^Takes up for all the gals! (Sits on chair r.) 

Pete — There ain't no saying anything again seeh be- 
haviors, but they is gals and gals, and — (laughing) — this 
yere Mis' Weston is a pretty high stepper ! 

Joe — She can put her clothes in my trunk (Inter- 
rupted; JOE lies back on bank lJ 

Teddy (interrupting) — The next man that says a word 
disparaging to Mrs. Weston has got to answer to me for it. 

Joe — Are you in earnest, boss? (Getting up from bank.) 

Teddy — You put a bet down. 

Joe — ^No, thank you ! I'll take your word for it. (Goes 
up.) 

Mrs. Weston (off h.) — Hello ! — Hello, good morning every- 
body. 

Teddy — ^^Here she is. 

Mes. Weston — Won't somebody come and help me dis- 
mount? (At the .same moment EVERYBODY Circept TEDDY 
makes <a leap off the porch and off l. u. The rcplg to her 
call is made so quickly and so eagerly, in fact, that it be- 
comes a concerted movement — TEDDY watches them go — 
MRS. WESTON laughs merrily.) 

Teddy — ^Will she miss me from among them — Bah — she 
always guys the life out of me! (SHOUTS of "Hurrah.'' 
from all the men and shouts of " Braro" from MRS. WES- 
TON as they join her. TEDDY shrugs his .shoulders and 
says sort of hopelessly, and get half lavghing at himself.) 

Teddy — Miss me ! It sounds like it ! Damn it, I don't 
even crist for her! (Goes up to porch — sits on chair.) 

(MIDGE and RANSOM reappear l. TEDDY doesn't no- 
tice them. MIDGE stops r. l.^ 

Midge (softly to Ransom) — Look at Mister Teddy. 

Ransom — What's the matter? 

Midge — Ain't you got on yet? 

Ransom — No, I " ain't." (With a slight emphasis on the 
" ain't. MIDGE looks up at him quickly, smiling knoir- 
ingly.) 

Midge — " Ain't " was wrong ! Ain't it funny eveiy time 
you say a wrong word now, I can tell in a minute. But 
with me it's the right ones as sounds wrong. I ought've 
said aren't you got on. 

Ransom (smiling) — No, haven't you got on. 

Midge — You don't say! Well, I'll tell you anyways what's 
the matter with Mister Teddy. He's dead gone on someone. 

Ransom — Who? 

Midge — Mis' Weston. 

Ransom — No ! 

Midge — Hope to die! (TEDDY looks up and sees them.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY K> 

Teddy — Hello, you back already? So Billy got the prize! 

Midge (quite iiiiconi^ciously) — Yes. I kissed hiui — it wasn't 
much of a prize. 

Job (calls juat off .'^tarie l. v.) — Hey, Boss! She says as 
she won't come any further unless you give a spechule in- 
vite. 

Mrs. Weston (off stage) — No, after all, I change my 
mind. (8 HE enters u u. followed q,nd;, surrounded hy the 
MEN. SHE crosses to porch.) 

Mrs. Weston — Ah! Midge! Good morning. Mr. Ransom 
— and greeting to your Royal Highness ! (With a loir 
curtsey to Teddy, who is terribly emharrussed.) 

Teddy — Good morning ! 

Mrs. Weston — I offer my hand to your ma.1esty to kiss ! 
(Holding out her l. hand, which is hare, notices clothes, 
looks liim orer from head to foot.) Dear me, another suit 
on to-day ! And what a suit ! 

Teddy (dying to kiss it really, but ashamed and embar- 
rassed iritli all the other men standin'g round) — Don't, don't, 
please, don't make a fool of me all the time! 

Mrs. Weston — You don't want to kiss my hand, or can't 
you bend over? You'll let my hand go unklssed? (ALL 
the other men rusli forward- crying, "/ tcill," and. "Let 
me," but J/jR.S'. WESTON motions them all away.) No, it's 
for his dudeship only. (TEDDY seizes her hand quickly 
and shamefacedly kisses it. MRS. WESTON curtseys loir, 
tohich increases Teddy's embarrassntent.) (JOE with 
MIDGE L.; 

Mrs. Weston — Thank you — why wouldn't you come to 
meet me with the others — (SHE looks him over.) , Oh! I 
see — afraid of spoiling .vour boots! (ALL the men laugh 
good-naturedly.) (TEDDY looks at her for a momoit. 
grinding his teeth in his rage, so as not to swear, or to say 
somctliing he will regret, turns on his heels, •and goes into 
the liouse itithont a word.) 

Mrs. Weston — Isn't he splendid ! No woman could have 
held her tongue ! 
. Ransom — But why are you so hard on him? 

Mrs. Weston — I don't know, I can't help it. It's the old 
Nick in me that will out! Go bring him back. Midge. 
(MIDGE goes off r. into the house.) (To Ransom.) I'll try 
not, to tease him this time. 

Ransom — Do try, it's only fair to him. (Men go on 
yorch.) 

Mrs. Weston — But why is he such a dandy? 

Ransom — Perhaps it amuses him as much as it does you? 

Mrs. Weston — But what does he do among all you big 



36 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

strong men? I shoiild think he'd be afraid^ of you! 
(Laugh.) 

Ransom (amused) — O would you! 

Mrs. Weston — I suppose he's the ranc-h " Baby," and you 
all coddle and spoil him. 

Ransom (stiU amused) You don't know him! 

Mrs. Weston^ — O yes, I know he's clever and amusing, 
but of course he couldn't hold his own with the others, one 
of them must fight his battles for him ! (She stops speak- 
ino as TEDDY re-enters vith MIDGE.) 

Teddy (aside to Midge, whose hand he holds) — Stay by 
me, I'm afraid of her! 

Mrs. Weston (going to Teddy) — Mr. North, forgive me. 
(Holds out her hand.) 

Teddy (surprised and putting his hands behind his back) 
— On one condition. 

Mrs. Weston — What? (Dropping her hand.) 

Teddy^ — That you don't ask me to kiss your hand! (Hold- 
ing out his hand.) 

Mrs. Weston (takes his hand) — Never again! 

Teddy (dropping her hand quickly) — O, I don't exactly 
mean that eitlier! 

Mrs. Weston — I was only afraid you were going to ask 
me to Iviss your hand. But now I'll tell you what I've come 
for 

Teddy — One moment, please! How about our cocktail? 
Don't we get our cocktail to-day? 

Joe — Of course we do ! 

Pete — Bet your life ! 

Ransom — Hear ! Hear ! 

Dave — ^Yes ! Yes ! 

(ALL at same time.) 

Mrs. Weston, — Of course ! If you can stand another of 
my cocktails, I'm willing ! 

Midge — I'll fetch the liquor and glasses. 

Joe (calls as MIDGE is going) — Fetch the backy, too. 
Midge. (MIDGE exits into house.) 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — Midge is one of us now, she is 
going to be my sister. 

Mrs. Weston (laughing) — What! .Going to be a sister! 
Did you ask her to marry you? (SHE keeps on laughing.) 

Teddy — No, but suppose I had, I don't see anything 
funny in my making a proposal of marriage! (RANSOM 
on rock l. smoking pipe — DAVE on porch seated.) 

Mrs. Weston (laughing so she can hardly speak) — But / 
do, it seems to me awfully funny ! (Laughing.) 

Teddy^ — Suppose I should propose to you? 

Mrs. Weston (still laughing so she can hardly speak) — 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 17 

Ola no — no! — tliaiik Heaven I am married; I'd die in liys- 
terics if yon did! (Continues lauyhiug.) 

Teddy (anijry, insulted) — Thank you! 

Mrs. Weston (laiif/hiiif/) — Yon're — welcome! (Laugh- 
ing.) (Re-enter MIDGE irith a large black tin tray, on it 
is a misceJla)ieous eoJlevtion of glasses, all sorts and all 
sizes, one ichite coffee cnp (no saucer) and one jam-jar. 
enough of these receptacles to make one for each; also a 
■very large eocktail-shaker (silver), two whisky bottles, a 
vermouth bottld one small piece of ice wrapped in a golf- 
eoat, and a bottle of Angostura bitters. She also brings a 
boa- of tobacco.) 

Midge — Here's the things. (She places them on chair 
near c.) 

Mrs. Weston— And I hope I'll have better luck this time ! 
(Takes a seat near the chair with the tray on it. The nten 
fill their pipes up stage, light them during the following 
scene between Teddy and Mrs. Weston.) 

Teddy — Yes ; last time, if you remember, yon pnt the ver- 
mouth in twice, and no whiskey! 

Mrs. Weston — I remember perfectly — you made eyes at 
me and embarrassed me so, I didn't know what I was doing. 
(Laugh.) 

Teddy — Yoii — embarrassed by me!!! I embarrassed 

you!! Well, I'll be (HE stops himself short with a look 

around at the bo.r on the irall.) 

,,,Mrs. Weston — Y'ou n^ill be. I'm afraid, some day! 

Teddy — Savetl a quarter that time, boys (All Uiugli.) 

(SHE begins shaking the cocktails, first pours in glass of 
whi.'ikey.) 

Mrs. Weston — What I came over for was to ask you all 
to a dance at the hall in Silverville. (Sugar.) 

Midge — Molly Larkins? (Whiskey.) 

Mrs. Weston — Some time from now to be sure, three 
weeks from Tuesday ! 

Joe — Molly ain't giving up her place to you 'uns alone, 
l)€ she? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes, Weston had some difficulty persuad- 
ing her ; he's been over every day, and yesterday she con- 
sented. 

Pete — I've seed he was there every day. 

Mrs. Weston — O very likely Miss Larkin her.self was 
some attraction ! You know my Weston ! I shall have 
some New York friends visiting me, and I want to show 
them everythiug^including Mister Teddy ! (With ■« mis- 
chievous look and smile at Teddy.) (The shaker is full of 
whiskey.) 



18 TPIE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Teddy — ^Excuse me, but the cocktail's all ivh i skey thld 
time to coniiterba lance the vermouth day I suppose? 

Mrs. Weston (JtohliiH/ up the shaker and seeing that it 
is full.) — O dear, how stupid of me! (Slie looks around 
helplessly) And there's nothing to pour all this extra whis- 
key into ! 

Teddy — O yes thei-e is 1 There's Joe ! He can hold any 
amount. (ALL laugh.) 

JoK (holding out one of the tumhlers) — "Never say die!" 

Mrs. Weston (pours out half as she talks — and JOE. 
vhen she finishes, gulps it down at one gulp. MRS. WES- 
TON fills vp the shaker icith Vermouth.) — You must all 
come to the dance in your ranch things, no inan admitted in 
his " store clothes." I don't want any make-believe ranch- 
man af oinid ! There's a blow for you. Mr. Teddy! 

Teddy — But it won't " kill father ! " I haven't said I 
was coming! 

Mrs. AYeston — O. but you must, and you can borrow 
some i-eal clothes of Joe, can't he Joe? (JOE is very mtieh 
taller and very mueh bigger than Teddy.) 

Job — Y'es, riia'am, suttenly, if he'll promise not to stretch 
'em ! 

Teddy — Oh. if I come, I'll wear Joe's clothes with pleas- 
ure. (All laugh.) 

Mrs. Weston — You promise Joe's clothes! 

Teddy — I jn'omise. 

Mrs. Weston — We women are going to pay you the com- 
pliment of appearing in our vei'y sn^artest fi'ocks 

Joe— Ilully Ge - 

Teddy (SHE starts to put on the cover of the shaker) — 
Excuse me ! — the ice ! ' We had some ' here a week ago 
Thursday. (He picks up the golf coat and tmr oils it and 
fi)ids a small piece of ice.) 

Mrs. Weston— Shall I put in all? '' . '"'^}' 

Teddy — Yes, let's be reckless! (THEY put in thb^de^'and 
she ■'(hakes the shaker.) (Kneels at her side u.—Hat off.) 

Mrs. Weston — I expect you to dance the whole evening' 
while the other meri 'are rnaking love tb tlie'igf|*ls in 'the 
iti6onl!ght. ' ■ ■ "'• •■''''' ■ ■ '"'" ''■'"' '■'"' ■•'■"' "'" 

Teddy-^A nice warm prospect for me! /MRS. ,^ESTOX 
laughs) And where will you be? ' '" "^'l ' ' '' '" . 

Mrs. Weston>— I? O, of course, o'yftn'ihe mbonlight! 

Teddy — With two of the other men ! (SHE pours out the 
drinks) (TEDDY tries to speak Vaclc. hut is so angry he 
can't: he glares at her a moment, opens his lips to speak, 
hut no \rord. comes — he grits his teeth and then turns and 
goes .straight to the bo.T on the wall ivith his hack to the 
audience — raises both hands above his head with clenched 



THE CO^YBOY AND THE LADY 19 

fists anil the gesture of a violent oath, ami then deliberately 
drops in a quarter, which is heard to fall. BIG LAUGH. 
The scene is played without a word, and during it MRS. 
WESl^ON has poured out all the drinks.) 

Teddy (coming back, and. noticing Mrs. Weston is pour- 
ing out the cocktails) — I beg your pardou, but did you re- 
member the bitters? 

Mrs. Weston — O ! What a shame, I was getting ou so 
nicely. (SHE begins pouring than all back into tJie shaker; 
the men are amused.) 

Teddy — O. never mind, \ve're used to hardships here ! 

Mrs. Weston — No, I shall make it all over. (SHE takes 
up the bitters bottle and begins putting the bitters in.) 
But I think it would have been more polite of you not to 
have mentioned the bitters. (The MEX at first do not take 
particular notice, but as slie keeps on putting the bitters in 
they shoir excitement and curiosity, and tlien despair. SHE 
finally notices them. BIG LAUGH.) 

Mrs. Weston — Now what's the matter ! Have I put in too 
nnich? 

Teddy- — Oh, no — no 

Mrs. Weston — Never mind, it'll do you good. Where's 
the lemon? (TEDDY c.rits into hou-^e as MRS. WESTON 
begins shaking again; slie sees liini go and knows he goes 
for the lemon.) You see I haven't forgotten that! O, I 
shall make famous cocktails in time! (Re-enter TEDDY 
with a tiny round yellou' hard ball, lohitc in spots where 
peel has been cut off. MRS. WESTON begins to pour out 
the cocktails.) 

Teddy — Allow me to offer you the ranch lemon! (Offer- 
ing it to her) Do you play golf? 
'Mrs. Weston (takes it) — Thank you! (Laughing.) I 
must send you some if you are so bad off as all this- 
(Gives it back to him.) Won't you? 

Teddy — With pleasure! (Takes lemon and •« knife u-hich 
is on the tray, and trith difficulty manages to cut off bits of 
lemon peel and puts in each gla.'^is one tts she fills it.) 

Mrs. Weston — Mr. Ransom! (Giving him his cocktail.) 

Kansom — Thank.s. 

Mrs. Weston (giving Pete a glass) — Pete.! , ,,. 

I'ete — Thank you. i.^ .,v 

Mrs. Weston (with a niAschievous glance <at Teddy as she 
fills a glass) — Don't cut yourself! (He looks up at her 
angry) What nice little hands you have anyway! 

Teddy (angry) — Mrs. Weston! 

Mrs. Weston — Here Joe! (Giving him his cocktail.) 

Joe — Thank you ! 

Mrs. Weston (to Teddy) — Nice for kid gloves I mean. 



20 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

and lawn tennis, or croquet. Do you play croquet? (Giv'Mg 
(■ocJdail) Here, Dave. 

Dave — Thank ye. 

Mrs. Weston (continuing her speech to Teddy) — Biit 
what in the Avorld do you do with them out here? (MIDGE 
passes drinl-s to men.j * 

Teddy — Mvs. Weston you are — no, I won't say it! 'I 
mustn't for.sfet there are gentlemen present! (With a mo- 
tion toiranis the men. MEN laugh.) I shouldn't have 
cared much for Hebe's position if they made cocktails in 
the days of pods and goddesses. >• 

Mrs. Weston (irlio ]nis flnislied pouring out the cock- 
tails — hut has not left any for the last glass) — O, what a 
l»ity — again ! I thought I was measuring so carefully, and 
here I haven't left a drop for you. 

Teddy (rising) — Excuse me, but that's the only kindness 
you've done me to-day ! 

Mrs. Weston — What ! You make- fun of my cocktails ! 
Then you must take some ! I'll share with you ! We'll 
drink mine together. 

Teddy (delighted) — Out of the same glass, bully! 

Mrs. Weston — O no! (Pouring out half of her cocktail 
into the other glas.^.) That way. (Oives him glass.) 

Teddy (disgnstedly) — Thank you! _. • " 

Joe — ^Here's "how". Mis' Weston! ' ' ' . "v '■ ■'i 

Mrs. Weston — ^" How ! " (They all clink' glasses together 
—and all drink hut MRS. WESTOX. ALL cannot help 
making a irry face over the bitterness of the drink. ALL 
" Igh '\' (shuddering) THEY surround Teddy and each 
head is moved emphatimlly wiM'a whispered oath. BIG 
LAUGH. THEY then go in a body to the sivear box and 
all drop in niekles at the same time. THEY come back 
shuddering at intervals.J 

'SIRS. IFeston — What's the matter, wasn't it good? (ALL 
make grimaces.) 

Teddy — Good is not the word ! TJgh ! 

Joe — O. Ma'am ! Ugh ! (HE makes a face.) 

Mrs. Weston — Then I shan't drink any! Here! (Giv- 
ing her glass to Teddy.) — I'll be generous. You shall haA'e 
all mine! (Just as she gives the glass s/te takes it back to 
A/.v.s- the edge — and then gires it to Teddy.) 

Teddy — Thank you! (Hmilinght drinks it.) Delicious! 
(MEN " Gee viz. 'etc.") 

Mrs. Weston — My dear ^Mr. North, you're braver than I 
thought ! 

Midge — Well you all hev my sympathies ! I can't swallow 
the best — whiskey's good enough for me! (ALL men. 
laugh.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 21 

Hansom— ;Mi(lf;;e ! Mrs. Weston will think you a toper ! 

Mrs. Weston (rising) — O no. Midge has contided to me 
In set-ret that whiskey gives her the hiccoughs ! And brandy 
the " shivers " even before she tastes it ! 

MiDGK (naivelji) (ALL movcJ—O, but I ain't no temper- 
ance fiend. My pop jes' lives on both of 'em. I've heard 
folks say as how Pap's whiskey was the worst this side of 
the Rockies! (ALL laiif/li.) (Business of TEDDY yiving 
different iiie)i orders »/> stage.) 

Mas. Weston — You funny little creature! (Flitting her 
aim round her, she takes her to one side) Tell me, dear, 
are you all right here, will you be happy? 

Mu)GE (aside to Mrs. Weston J — O yes, awful happy. Both 
of 'em's so good to me! 

Mks. Weston — If you ever want a woman friend come 
to me, I like you ! 

Midge — Yes, ma'am; I like you, too! I'm always telling 
the boys you ain't half so bad ns you seem. 

Mrs. Weston (amused) — O reallv ! Do you tell the boys 
that? 

Midge — Yes. ma'am ; I'm your real true friend ;you're 
only after a good time like the rest of us. I know what a 
good time means to a girl. I couldn't live without my rifle 
— and — Joe (Lrjoking down.) 

Mrs. Weston — Ah — ha — somebody's been taking a shot at 
l/ou with an arrow! (HHE shakes hotli hands.) Remem- 
ber dear. I'm your friend. 

Midge — And I'm yourn ! (TEDDY top of steps.) 

Mrs. Weston (to the men) — Well, boys, will you all 
come to my dance? 

Joe — I'll answer fur them, ma'm, and the cove that wants 
to back out'll hev to settle witU me first! 

^Ii!S,. WESTON^Thank you. That settles j/ou, Mr. Teddy, 
goii can't desert me now! (TEDDY merely smiles and 
hoirs.) 

^Irs. Weston — Who'll get my horse ready for me? (DAVE 
■lOE. PETE and RANSOM e.iuts l. quie'klii.) 

Midge (going to Mrs. ^Veston) — Sa.y, Brother Teddy can 
knock the spots out of Joe! 

Mrs. Weston — Don't be absurd — Good-bye ! (MIDGE 
fakes tray info the Jiouse and arranges chair e.) (MRS. 
WEm'ON leaves poreh.) 

Teddy (folloiring lier) — You won't take the same road 
back, ifill you? It isn't safe! 

Mrs. Weston (laughing) — O thank you for your .service, 
I'm sure ! 

Teddy (earnestly) — But you'll take itt — the advice, I 
mean, not the road! 



22 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Mrs. Weston (smiling) — O. that's quite another thing'. 

Teddy — It's dangerous, terrible dangerous I 

Mrs. Weston — I'm not afraid. Mr. North. 

Teddy — But it was a miracle you escaped, even we go the 
other way. (MRS. WESTON laughs.) If your horse should 
stumble just the slightest, over you'd go ! And it's 300 feet 
to the bottom ! Ask the men, if you won't listen to me. 

Mrs. Weston — The men have all gone to help me mount ; 
if then warn me. perhaps I'll listen. But I like danger. 
(iood-bye, my timid ^Ir. Teddy. (SHE exits gaily.) 
(MIDGE goes to Tedclg.) 

Midge — Don't she beat the band ! — but — don't be afraid. 
They ain't going to let her go back the same way. (MRS. 
WESTON and the men are heard talking and laughing 
as she mounts.) Why don't you help her mount? 

Teddy — Humph ! You see how she treats me. Midge ! 

Midge — Yep. There's times as it jes' makes me hate her. 
(Coming down.) 

Teddy' (smiling) — You needn't do that, Midge — because — 
Midge, dear little sister, your fool of a brother loves her. 

Midge — I told Mr. Ransom so 1 

Teddy— What! 

Midge — And he wouldn't believe me. 

Teddy' — But how 

Midge — O, a woman can tell. 

Teddy (smiling) — Sa.v, how old are you, please. Miss? 

Midge — Somewheres about sixteen or fourteen, I don't 
know exactly, (n.) (Sits on front of steps.) 

Teddy' — And how long have you been a " n-omanf " (Sits 
on hank R.j 

Midge — About eight years. Since the first time as I found 
Pop drunk — do you think P®p will miss me? 

Teddy' — -No- (Sits on steps of house.) 

Midge — Do you think he'll come here after me? 

Teddy — No. 

Midge — I don't want him to, and yet, (HER voice brealc- 
ing) I'm afraid he'll be dreadful lonely. You see even ani- 
mals Avon't stay by Pop. He don't know how to treat 'em, 
he bangs 'em around jes' like he used to me, and you can't 
do that with animals and keep 'em loving yon. I'm sorter 
afraid — O Mr. Teddy, perhaps I didn't ought to leave him. 

Teddy (getting np from steps) — Don't worry about that, 
little sister. It's he who has left you. 

Midge (getting up from bank R.J (Brightening up)— 
How do you mean? 

Teddy' — He's gone away, far away ! 

Midge — Pop? Where to? 

Teddy' (a moment's hesitation) — Nobody knows — but they 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 23 

say he'll never come back to ba)i!j anybody, not even the 
(loffs, any more. (SHE looks up at him half .startled — half 
l/Hcs.si)i(7 the truth, her gaze becomes more frif/htened, fin- 
ally she speaks.) 

Midge — You don't mean ? 

Teddy (speaks very softly and kindly — getting up from 
stepsj^'Don't ask any more questions little sister — because 
— ^I can't answer them. (HE kisses her on the forehead.) 
(The MEy are heard shouting " Good-bye, Good-bye," an- 
swered by Mrs. Weston.) Here come the boys back ! 
MIDGE is half dazed. She goes slowly into the house r. 

Ransom (entering first, followed by JOE, DAVE, and 
PETE) — Teddy, the fellows are hungry. 

Teddy — All right — Joe ! — Did you tell Mrs. Weston not to 
take the same road back? 

Joe — She said you'd warned her, but her head's level 
enough, she ain't agoin' to run no risks I 

Pete — Say, I heard a good one this morning — I want to 
tell you all now they're no women folks about — What's the 
difference between an Indian an' a bull pup? (A moment's 
l>ausc.) 

Teddy— What? 

Pete— What's the difference between an Indian and a 
bull pup? 

Teddy— You got me I (A moment's pause.) 

I'ete — Why an Indian • 

Teddy — Ssh ! (As MIDGE enters.) (SHE says. ''Boys.") 
(MIDGE conies o)t to porch a step and looks in surprise at 
tlie Men, who arc silent.) 

Midge — O my ! Ain't it funny you boys don't never seem 
to have a word to say unless I come and start talk agoing. 
I' 'Teddy — They're hungry; aren't you, boys? 
Ji Joe— Yes. Oonie on. (JOE, PETE and DAVE go into 
house. RAXSOM Joins MIDGE. TEDDY has gone to i.. 
and looks off. TEDDY turning sees Midije and Ransom 
togrtJicr: he raises his eyebroi.cs and. snriles, nodding Jiis 
head significantly and. starts to tiptoe into the ■house, too. 
RANSOM sees him. MIDGE stands with her back toward 
them.) ,'i 

Ransom — Teddy! (TEDDY stops, and looking at Ran- 
som, pantomimes not to say anything— that he understands 
— .s7( .' and he irill get out and lea re them alone together.) 
No, no! (Joins Teddy and speaks aside to him. THEY 
are i.., MIDGE k.) It won't do, old man; she won't listen 
to me. There's someone else! ,. ' 

Teddy — Nonsense ! 

Ransom — Joe ! 



24 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Teddy — Joe instead of yon? Stuff! Say. leave her alone 
with me. 

Ransom — Be careful. If she can't care for nie, I don't 
want her to know that I — I worship the g:round her feet 
touch. (Going vi.) It would spoil it all here. 

Teddy (taking the practical view of it) — Go on ; leave 
her with lue! (RANSOM goes into home. TEDDY steals 
playfully over behind MIDGE and says "'Boo!"' to startle 
her.) 

Midge — Oh, brother! (Starts, frightened, with a little cry 
and turns to Teddy; she throws her ■arms around his neck 
and. bursts into tears.) 

Teddy (embarrassed and sympathetic) — Hello, hello ! 
What's up? 

Midge (crying) — Nothing. (Going c. MIDGE sits l. 
TEDDY sits n.) 

Teddy (holding her two hands) — Oh, come now. (He 
sits.) Say, is it Billy? 

Midge — No. (Stops crying; she sits on a box at his feet.) 

Teddy — That's right— stop crying — I want to have a little 
talk with you. Are you fond of Billy? 

Midge — Yes — no — I mean, not exactly — some ! 

Teddy (smiling) — Well, that answer is out of sight liter- 
ally ! 

Midge (shyly, half humorously) — Don't you think Joe's a 
handsomer man? 

Teddy — But Billy's a gentleman, and (Interrupted.) 

Midge (interrupting) — So's Joe. 

Teddy — That's ti'ue — has Joe spoken? 

Midge — No, it seems as if he ain't got the sand — I think 
he wants to. 

Teddy — It takes a lot to tell a woman you love her. Still 
Joe's all right ; you ain't married — and to a blackguard. 
(The last word is only a whisper.) 

Midge — Cheer up, brother Teddy ; everybody says as how's 
Mr. Weston's a-drinkin' himself to death sure I 

Teddy — That wouldn't surprise me. if she mixes his 
drinks. But even if she weren't married, there'd be another 
drink needed to make me happy — something for her, a love 
potion. 

Midge (smiling) — Oh — fairy tales ! 

Teddy— Yes, but they make a nice life. 

Midge — But you ain't got no right to think about her. 
She is married. 

Teddy — And doesn't love me anyway. Vll forget her! 
I'll forget her! (He speaks the first "I'll forget her!" se- 
riously, then after a mom,ent's pause he smiles to himself 
and repeats " Fll forget her!" in a tone implying the utter 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 25 

impossibiliti/ to him of hix doing .s'o. There is a moinenVs 
xiJeuee. Then MIDGE fttealu her hand into his and says 
enennraf/iiif/ly. sireetln and softly — ) 

MiDGB — it ain't easy. Imt let's try. (TEDDY presses her 
hand for <!nsirer: another moment's silence, and then loQk- 
iny dotrn at hrr, lie speaks.) 

Teddy — Sins tliat little song. 

Midge — Which V 

Teddy — You know, my favorite — (sinr/iny) — " I loA'e a 
lovely girl, I do." 

Midge (smiling) — That ain't exactly a good beginnin' for 
forgettin'. 

Teddy — We won't count till after the song. (MIDQE 
sings softly, " / lore a lorely girl, I do, and I have loved 
a girl or tioo." TEDDY nods his head. MIDGE begins 
again and sings. At the first line he looks •affectionately at 
her and then turns his eyes and gases off l. irherc MRS. 
WESTON went. As she sings "And I know how a girl 
should be loved." HE joins her in, " You bet I do," and 
sings the rest irith her softly, till the note before the last, 
tohen he breaks off suddenly — risinf/.) Good God! there she 
goes by the landslide again! (MIDGE has also stopped, 
and rising, .•<tands beside liini : tcatches off L.j 

Teddy — The daredevil ! (lie gives a loud cry of terror, 
echoed by MIDGE, as they both start violently.) I knew it ! 
Don't tell the boys, I can save her alone. (E.rits, crying 
out — ) Hold on! Help's comin' ! Hold on! Hold on! 

(As his voice dies away — MUSIC, pp. twice through.) 

(MIDGE stand-'^ l.. paralyzed, as TEDDY has cried out 
and jumped off the porch : she has started also with a cry 
of horror, and for an instant Jtas .^hut her eyes and covered 
them with her hands. Slowly .s7?c taJces her hands' from 
her face and opens her eyes.) '■ " 

Midge — She is caught on that ledge; if she's only got the 
grit to hold on! (The MEN re-enter from house.) 

.Toe — Well, we're off! What's up? 

]\IiDGE ( n'liispers); — ^Look ! 

Joe — What? Hello! A woman! (ALL the men look 
with him.) 

Pete — Hanging just over the edge of the canyon ! 

Joe (a whisper) — God ! Come on, boys ! (ALL make a 
movement to go off porch.) 

MiDGE (blocks their ivay) — No, no! Y^ou shan't go! 

Joe — What's the matter with the girl? 

Pete — Out of the way! (Moves forward. JOE pushes 
him back.) 

Midge (almost beside herself) — No! Let Mr. Teddy save 
her alone 



26 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Joe (jumping off hank) — He's after hei'? (Xes c.) 

Midge — Yes; you'll see him in a minute. It's Mrs. Wes- 
ton. 

Pete — Come on. anyway ! (Moves foricard again. JOE 
fjushes him hack.) 

Joe — No ! 

Dave — Has she tried to pull herself up? 

Midge — No, she ain't moved ; prob'ly she's fainted. 

Joe- — A good thing, for if she moved that bit of ledge 
might crumble, too, and she'd (He hreaks off.) 

Midge (adds in even a lotver whisper) — She'd folloiv the 
liorse. 

Joe — The horse is? ■ 

Midge — At the bottom ! Joe — suppose he leans over, after. 

and the ledge gives 'way, and both on 'em (tiHE 

hreaks off.) 

Joe — Yes! (Turns and calls.) Pete! Dave! 

Midge — There he is ! He's in sight now — riding Sunshine ! 

Joe (jumps off porch quickhj and exits, calling.) Come 
on — quick. (THEY run off quickly l., and enter RAN- 
SOM.) 

Ransom — -Where're they off to? 

jNIidge — Come, look ! 

Ransom — Where? 

Midge — There! Don't you see? (RANSOM joins her; he 
doesn't see at once, hut looks a moment, sees and takes in 
irhat it means.) 

Ransom — Good heavens! Who is it? 

Midge (softly) — Mis' Weston ! 

Ransom — And the man — Teddy. 

Midge — Yes. He's going to save her. Don't I tell you 
he loves her ! 

Ransom — But what can he do ; they'll both go down to- 
gether. (Forgetting himself and speaking as if to Teddy.) 
Lie flat down ! That's right. Be careful ! 

Midge (in an agony of fear) — He'll slip! (RANSOM 
starts to go off l. MIDGE holds him hack.) 

Ransom — Teddy has caught hold of her ! 

Midge — But she's falling ! 

Ransom — And he ! (MIDGE interrupts ivith a loud 

cry.) No, it's all right ; he's hanging on ! On to that 
ledge 

Midge — But that's where she was, and it gave 'way ! 

Ransom — His grip'll be stronger. God help you. Teddy ! 
There's the men ! 

Midge — Yes — Joe ahead ! Oh, I can't see ! (SHE waves.) 

Ransom — Joe's thrown his coat ! Teddy has hold of it ! 
They're all right! (MIDGE drops slowly and softly to the 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 27 

ground in a faint.) Midge! Midge, dear! (Lifting her 
up.) They're safe ; both safe. (He fans her with liis hat. 
He cautiously, tenderly steals a kiss from her cheek — goes 
on fanniny her. She revives.) 

MiDG E — Teddy's safe ? 

Ransom — Yes. (As she goes from his arms.) 

Midge (disgusted icith herself) — I suppose I fainted — for 
goodness sake's don't tell the boys, will you? (NOISE.) 
They're bringing her back. (Rising.) I'm afraid she's 
hurt. (Sitting on hank.) 

Ransom — No ; probably she's only fainted, too. 

Midge (Jialf laughing) — That'll sorter keep me oomp'uy. 
Well, she oughtn't to treat Mr. Teddy so mean, anyhow, 
not after to-day ; he almost died for her. Here's Dave ! 

Ransom (calls) — Anybody hurt? 

Dave — No. Mrs. Weston's fainted, but I guess she ain't 
hurt. Git a place ready for her inside, Midge. (MIDGE 
exits quickly.) 

Dave (coming down c.^^-^Plucky thing of the boss — went 
right over the ledge ! Wonder they didn't both go down 
afore we 'tins got there ! 

(PETE and JOE enter, making a chair with their hands, 
in which half sits and half lies MRS. WESTON still in a 
fainting condition. SHE is partially held up hy TEDDY 
■with his L. hand. His right arm hangs limp — broken— 'hy 
his side, unnoticed by the other men or by him. DAVE 
holds door open, and RANSOM goes to help with BIrs. Wes- 
ton. As they appear, DAVE cmlls.) 

Dave — Here they are. Midge ! 

Midge (inside) — Already ! 

Ransom (to Teddy) — God bless you, Teddy ! Are you 
hurt? 

Teddy — Not a bit ! Here, take my place, she's reviving, 
and I don't want her to see me now. (They exchange places 
as they carry Mrs. Weston into the house. TEDDY stands 
in doorway and calls softly. RANSOM exits house u.) 

Teddy — Midge! (MIDOE in doorway tliroirs her arms 
around his neck and kisses and hugs him for a moment.) 

Teddy (after a minute, a little choky)— Theve I That's 
all right! 

Midge (tearfully) — I saw ! I saw ! 

Teddy — Did you — sh ! Listen ! (HE whispers in her ear. 
HER face expresses surprise and disappointment.) You 
understand, don't you? Not one tcord. You needn't fib. 
you can just refuse to answer if she asks yon. (He pushes 
her gently into the house.) Tell the fellows to come right 
out here, and you stay with her. (MIDOE goes into house. 



28 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

At the same tune the MEN come out in turn. PETE first. 
■JOE, DAVE. MEN X. to rL. c.) 

Teddy (eagerly, anxiously) — Look here, boys ! I want 
you to give me your word, each one of you, you won't tell 
Mrs. Weston it was I went over the ledge after her — do 
you understand? 

Joe — No, blamed if I do I 

Teddy^ — I woukln't have her know I did it for anything. 

Pete — Yes, but 

Teddy — She'd guy the life out of me. 

Dave — For savin' her life? 

Joe — At the risk (Interrupted.) 

Teddy (intcmiijtinff), — No, no! Listen. I could not stand 
her thanking me. I wouldn't have her feel under any such 
obligation to me — wh.v can't you see. hoys : I don't know 
as I can explain — ^but it's sort of taking a mean advantage 
of her for me to put her in a position like that. I couldn't 
look her in the face if she knew — I'd feel so — I don't know 
how I'd feel — but I'd good deal rather she went on buying 
me. Why don't some of you help me out? Joe, don't you 
know what I mean? 

Joe — Well. I sorter does and I sorter don't ; of course 
we'd all do most anything for you, but 

Pete — Exactly. It ain't easy for some o' us to stand up 
and take the blame for what you done! 

Teddy — Oh. come! what difference will it make? It'd be 
so much easier for her to thank one of you. 

Dave — It's like lying 

Joe — I'd feel a dirty sneak ! 

Teddy — Well, as long as you aren't one, you might be 
willing to feel one. just for my sake. Come on ; will yo\i 
promise me? Don't give me away! Eh? Sh ! here she is; 
I'm going to sneak. (Exits r. u. e.) 

(As MIDGE and MRS. WESTON come on together from 
the house, MRS. WESTON has FUDGE'S arm, but though 
she is pale and her hair disordered, and her riding habit 
torn and clay-covered, she is herself again.) 

Mrs. Weston (goes c. and then sits on rock steps) — Well. 
boys, I'm all right now. thanks to all of you, and alive still 
in this blessed world, which never seemed so precious to 
me, thanks to one of you. You must tell me who that one 
is. All I remember is the terrible shock of my poor hoi'se's 
stumble, as over we rolled, and down, down we went ! Poor 
beast! In that one moment the sky was a sweeter blue 
than I'd ever seen it, and the trees the greenest, the earth 
a paradise, as I thought to lose it. Then I saw the arm 
of a man come over the ledge ; it was like the arm of God 
to me : and then what seemed the man himself followed, 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 29 

then a haze hid everything and I thought I was falling, 
falling down after my horse ! The next thing I knew I was 
here in the dear strong arms of you fellows. Thank yovi, 
Joe. (JOE shakes his head.) Thank you, Pete. (PETE 
shakes his head.) Thank you, Dave. But which of you 
came over the ledge? Come, don't be modest ; I must know. 
Tell me. (iShe traits, there is a silence.) Oh, come — please 
—two of you must give the~ other away. ('Enter TEDDY 
AT BACK. SOFTLY. THEY are all terribly embarrassed, and 
most eaaer to tell the truth.) 

JSlRS. Weston — Joe — Pete — Dave — who was it? 

Joe — We've agreed not to tell which one done it, ma'am. 

Mrs. Weston — But I won't have that — I must know ! 

(Tlie MEN look at Teddy for a sofleniny in him, hut, he 
still looks a hard refusal at tlirm and sJiakes his head.) 

Pete — Very sorry, ma'am, but we've agreed. 

Dave — And it won't be no good a-pumping — very sorry, 
ma'am. 

Mrs. Weston — Well, boys, I respect your modesty, but 
I'd like to know, and shan't give up trying to find out. 
(She adds mischievously.) This very moment I'd like to 
kiss the man. and would if I knew which one he was. 
(TEDDY on run r. u. e. The MEN are very much em- 
barrassed and TEDDY rolling his eyes up, crpresses that 
tJiis is a test almost too great for him to stand.) 

Teddy — You might kiss us all around, on the chance o" 
liittin' the riglit one. 

Mrs. Weston — There wouldn't be any merit in it if it 
was so general, but that's not a bad idea. (Bus. of kissing 
three men. JOE is called up and kissed by MRS. WESTON, 
then DAVE, then PETE, each shon-ing different type of 
embarrassment — except PETE, irho is willing and anxious. 
TEDDY goe^ to get kissed.) My dear Mr. Teddy, you are 
not in the ring! 

Midge — Oh, ]Mrs. Weston he was there ! (She stops short, 
learned by TEDDY.) 

Mrs. Weston — Yes, as I came to, I saw him carrying — 
my hat! (SHE botes mock graciously to Teddy.) Thank 
you for saving my hat. Ah, how rude I am to you. and 
I meant not to be any more. Forgive me, Mr. North ; I'm 
sure I misjudged you. Popular as you are with these brave 
boys, there must be something in you which / have failed to 
bring out. My fault! (TEDDY botes and goes up and off 
R. She turns to Midge.) Good-by, dear. (Aside to her.) 
It was your Joe, I'm almost sure — bless him — and youf 
Joe. you will have to lend me a horse ; and will you see me 
home*? After all, I feel a little shaky. Good-by, all! And 
thank you. again, with all my heart. (Growing emotional 



30 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

again.) I wish I could say more what I feel — good-by. 
(Exit Dave into house.) I hope I've kissed the right man. 
(She (joes u TEDDY enters and meets JOE, who ex- 
eluinges a look with TEDDY. TEDDY shakes his head at 
JOE, who exits l. PETE goes to Teddy and offers his 
hand.) 

Pete — Shake, boss! (TEDDY wishes to shake hands and 
finds he can't raise his b. arm.) 

Teddy — Why — Hello ! I — I can't 

Pete — Can't raise your arm, sir? 

Teddy — And it pains — I didn't realize it — I didn't know. 
(He is white and sltoics that he suffers.) 

Midge — You're hurt ! You're hurt ! 

Teddy — Oh. no, only 

Pete (touching his arm softly; TEDDY winces) — You've 
bx'oken your arm ! 

Teddy — What? The devil! I believe I have. 

Pete — It ought to be set at once. 

Midge — But there ain't no doctor for miles ! 

Teddy — Oh, never mind, it isn't so much (He is get- 
ting weaker.) 

Pete — Yes, it is ; it ought to be tended to this minute. 
I ain't exactly a doctor, but if you don't mind my bein' a 
bit rough, I kin set it somehow or other for you. It ain't 
the first time. Shall I try? 

Teddy — Oh, ves ; have a go at it. 

Midge— It'll hurt! It'll hurt! 

Teddy — No, it won't; it'll be fun! (HE sits down to save 
himself from falling.) Come on, Midge, and sit down here 
and hold your brother's off hand. (MIDGE sits on the hox 
at his feet on his l. and takes his hand and holds it.) 

Pete — You'll hev to peel your coat, boss. 

Teddy (rising) — Go on ! (PETE takes hold of coat with a 
sort of rough gentleness. TEDDY winces terribly with the 

pain and cries out.) Cut it off! Cut — damn you! (He 

stops short as he realizes the word, and steals a look over 
Ms shoulder to the swear-box.) Wait a minute! (He 
rises, and tvith difficulty with his left hand gets « quarter 
from his vest pocket, as he goes to the swear-box and drops 
it in. PETE has left out a big jackknife to cut with. 
TEDDY comes back and sits again, tcith a smile and a 
wink at Midge.) All ready ! (Aside to Midge.) Sing, dear, 
will you? 

PETE finds a good place at the top of the sleeve. 
MIDGE starts singing in a pathetic little voice, " / love a 
lovely girl, I do," etc. TEDDY at once turns his face and 
gazes off l. u., where Mrs. Weston went, pressing Midge's 
hand tight. PETE cuts down the sleeve. TEDDY winces. 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 31 

iuul takes up the aong through his clenehed teeth tvith 
MIDGE, as the 

CURTAIN FALLS. 



ACT II 

Scene — A fortnight later. The dance hall in Silveri-lllc. 
It is •a large, bare room with a bar across l. At back l. of 
c. a large double door open. Outside a porch icith staircase 
descending toioard r. The hall being on the second story. 
R. of c. is a staircase going up to Molly Larkin's bedroom: 
in the roof r. is a door. There is a window behind the bar 
L. There are chairs and tables about, a small, old tinkling 
piano R. Also a small mirror on wall r. beside tJte piano. 
It is night. Through the big open, doorway a mountain is 
seen in the distance and a beautiful blue sky full of stars. 
The stage is dark and the moonlight streams in a streak 
through the windoic from l. to R. 

Discovered — After the curtain is raised MOLLY LAR- 
KIXS appears on the stairs from her room above and comes 
doivn into the hall, a small lighted oil lamp in her hand. 
She is dressed for the dance in a black silk skirt and a 
bright pink silk waist. Neither is made in an exactly fash- 
ionable way; in fact, she has made both herself, copying 
icith indifferent success a picture seen in a city Sunday 
paper. She is about thirty years old, somewhat plump, and 
decidedly attractive. She places the lamp on a table and 
goes to light a lamp hanging on the wall between the foot 
of the staircase and the big doorway. While she is lighting 
it QIICK FOOT JIM comes slowly and softly in c. door 
from R., and, stealing behind her, just as she has finished 
lighting the lamp, takes her in his arms, and bending her 
head back kisses her. She is not frightened, being used to 
him. JIM looks haggard, careworn and sloren. 

Molly — So you're back, Jim! (Without turni)tg to look 
at him, she goes on to the next lamp to light it, l. u. e.. 
going r.) 

Jim (following her) — Yes. 

Molly (busy ivith the lamp) — Why was you away for 
so long? 

Jim — Jim went away to find out if he could forget Molly ! 

Molly — Well (JIM grunts), seeing you're back, I guess 
you couldn't forget me, eh? (With a coquettish smile at 
him. She has finished lighting tliis lamp and goes to an- 
other. JIM follows her and speaks tchen he is beside her 
again.) 



32 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Jim — Me come back now for good. 

Molly — Well, you needn't be so cross about it! 

Jim — He fjjo away next time! (MOLLY looks up sharply 
at Jim from the lamp for « second, then f/oes on loith the 
husiness of Uglttiny it.) He come here every day since Jim 
gone ? 

Molly (shortly) — Yes. 

Jim — He make love? 

jNIolly — Well, he ain't exactly pre.iudiced against the 
idea. (JIM <iivcs an angry yntnt, and MOLLY, with a half 
lavgh, goes to the next lamp. JIM foUoivs her.) ■ 

Jim — He come here to-night? 

Molly — Hum — hum (Goes to lamp r. dotcn stage.) 

Jim — Yon are all dressed fine, eh ! Like the morning 
sky — for him. 

Molly' — No, Miss Weston's giving a party here to-night. 

Jim — You dance with him, Jim kill yon. 

Molly (laughs and striJi-es a match, saying) — Jim! 

Jim — Me kill j'ou — you understand? (SHE has not yet 
lighted this lanrp. SHE turns, a little frightened noiv, the 
flaming match in her hand. JIM hloirs out the match.) 
Like that, Jim put out your life. 

Molly (afraid of him) — Don't do anything crazy, Jim ; 
it wouldn't do you no good to kill I'ne. Don't you know yet 
that I don't love nobody else but you. I'm only foolin' Mr. 
Weston. 

Jim — Well, me don't want yon to fool him, you see? Jim. 
he been in the mountains above the birds, high up there with 
the clouds, and Jim try if Jim could live without JMolly. 
but Jim can't. Molly got to live with Jim — you under- 
stand? (Taking her roughly by the arm.) 

Molly (getting arm away) — Look out! I must light this 
other lamp. (Beginning to light it — Xes to l. behind her.) 

Jim — Your hair is Jim's lamp. He won't kill you, be- 
cause then he lose you : but Jim kill him if you fool with 
him some more. See? Jim no trust; you fool with him 
some more, Jim kill him! (MOLLY has finished lighting 
the lamp. SHE looks <it Jim with a look in her eyes of 
fear and hatred. JIM takes her with rough affection by the 
shoulders.) Jim give Molly a new name. (He speaks an 
Indian name, and then translates it.) Rose-kissed-by-the- 
sun, so be your name now. (He takes her in his arms and 
kisses her passionately. MISS PRI8SIMS heard calling 
outside.) 

Miss Prissims — Molly ! (She shudders slightly. Call re- 
peated.) Molly ! 

Molly — There's Lulu Prissims ! Go light the lamp out- 
side. (She gives him a match.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 33 

Miss Prissims (calls afiain hnpatientlji) — Molly! 

Molly (calls) — Yes. Lulu. Jim's eomiiiir with a light. 
(JIM f/ocs halfiray to door, looks back at Mollii, and grunts 
— he is suspicious of her. -IIM exits at back to r.) 

Miss 1'rissims (heard suiiiiiij) — Hurry up. hurry up! I 
can't see my way and I'm afraid of spoiling my dress. 

Jim (outside, in a conciliatory voice) — All right! All 
right! (MOLLY has stood still toatching Mm oft -with 
hatred in her face. As she heard him say ''All right!" she 
relaxes, and mores niith a long, loud sigh. She rearranges 
her tvaist and looks about the hall, goes to one of the 
lamps icliich is burning too liigli and turns it doinn a little. 
Meaniohile MI^S PRLSSIMS is heard coming up the out- 
side stairs, talking a stream of chatter all the time.) 

Miss Prissims — Good evening. Jim. I didn't dare come 
up without a light; I was afraid I might hurt my dress. 
I hope I ain't late ! I've got on a bran' new body. I 
thought I'd show them folks they ain't the only girls who 
can wear stylish duds. My! (Breathing hard. SHE enters 
almost breathless from the stairs. She is a. stout, blond, 
pretty-faced tiroman. no longer young, but with girlish man- 
ners. SHE carries a roll of music and a newspaper parcel 
containing ivhite slippers.) Good evening. Molly. 

Molly — Good evening. Lulu. You seem out of breath. 
Did Jim kiss you? (Xing to n.) 

(Re-enter JIM quietly : he sits in a chair. MOLLY busies 
herself moving the chairs and tables from the center of the 
room to against the ivall.) 

Miss Prissi.\[s — No, I wish he had. It's them stairs. 
(Taking off her hat.) My. you've got your new pink body 
on, ain't you? It looks real sweet. (X to piano.) 

Molly — Yes. I got it when I was to Denver.' (Taking 
hold of the chair in ■which, JIM is sitting.) Jim. I want to 
put this chair away. (JIM slowlji rises and sits on the 
table. MOLLY, after putting chair against the n-all. moves 
the other table.) 

Miss Prissims — I suppose they're awful stylish folks 
that's coming? (SHE sits on piano stool and. begins to un- 
button her boots.) 

Molly — Well, you know what the Westons are like. 

Miss Prissims — I know him. I guess all the girls around 
Silverville knows him ! 

Molly (at the table on which Jim is sitting) — Get up! 

Jim — You no let me sit nowhere. 

Molly — Sit on the piano stool. 

Jim — Miss Lulu she sit on the piano stool. 

Molly — Well, then, sit on Miss Lulu (laughing). 

Miss PRissiMS^Land sakes, Molly! (She has taken off 



34 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

her shoes.) Where'll I put my things? (Holding up her 
hat and shoes.) 

Molly (pointing off n.) — Go straight througli the supper 
room ; the ladies' dressing-room is the other side. 

Miss Prissims (to Jim) — Jim, put them in for me ; I can't 
go in my stocking feet. (JIM takes her shoes and hat and 
exits slowly s..) 

Molly (going to her )r~What in the world? (Inter- 
rupted.) 

Miss Prissims (interrupting) — The new boarder at our 
house lent me some elegant white satin slippers (unwrap- 
ping them.) Jes' look! 

Molly (doubtfully) — Do they fit you? 

Miss Prissims — Almost — only a teen mite small ; but you 
know the pedals of the piano won't work, so I don't really 
use my feet any. (Getting into the first slipper ivith dif- 
ficulty, as her voice shows.) 

Molly (laughs) — Lulu Prissims, you ninny ! You ain't 
invited to this party ! 

Miss Prissims — Ouch ! (As she tries to get on the sec- 
ond slipper; finally she manages to do it, but it is evident 
that they are very tight. SHE starts playing the ''Maiden's 
Prayer.' ) I'm sort of hopin' some young man'll get a 
mash on me and ask me to dance. 

jMolly — What's that you're playing? 

Miss Prissims — Ain't it sweet? My favorite piece — 
" The Maiden's Prayer." 

(Enter b. l. SHERIFF BRENT.) 

Sheriff — Good evening, Miss Larkins. 

Molly — Good evening. Sheriff— good gracious, you've 
come to turn me out, I suppose! (MISS PRISSIMS turns 
and sees Sheriff.) 

Miss Prissims (smirking) — Oh, good evening. Sheriff! 

Sheriff — Good evening. 

Miss Prissims — Good evening 

Molly — Go on playing. Lulu ; I've got business witli the 
Sheriff. (MISS PRISSIMS begins to play again, but does 
her best through the scene to overhear wJiat is going on 
betircen Molly and Sheriff.) 

Sheriff — Sorry, but I'll have to disposses you. Warned 
you three times, you know, and you promised to pay this 
morning or clear out of your own accord. 

Molly — I know, but (Interrupted.) 

Sheriff — There's a party crazy to git the hall — ready to 
step riglit in to-night. 

Molly — Well, he won't, for I'm going to pay up to-night! 

Sheriff — You've said that before, old girl. (Xes to bar.) 

(READY NOISE.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 35 

Molly — I've got a dance on to-night with the swells from 
the Wheatley Ranch. They pay before they go, and I'll 
hand the money right over to yon. 

Sheriff — How much'll it cover? 

Molly — All I owe you up to Saturday. 

Sheriff — But no extry in advance? 

Molly (quietly, yohig to him) — Oh, well, perhaps I won't 
want to stay here after Saturday. (Goes tip.) 

Sheriff (surprised; whistles). — Don't say! Going to 
leave Silverville? 

Molly — Never mind — I don't know yet. (Comes down c.) 

Sheriff — The boys'd miss you, I kin tell ver. (NOISE 
OUTS IDE.) 

Molly (listening) — Here comes the folks. Say, hang 
around and come in again in about an hour, and I'll pay 
you then. (Goes up.) 

Sheriff — All right. I actually am sorry to press you, but 
I'm forced to do it by the owners. (He goes vp.) 

Molly — You'll get your money when you come back. 
(Following him. NOISE.) 

(THE WESTON PARTY are heard arriving outside and 
coming up the steps. MISS I'RISSIAIS hears them and 
stops playing.) 

Sheriff (to HOLLY) — Good-by, for the present, miss. 

Miss Prissims — Good-by, Sheriff. 

Sheriff — Good-by. Say, Moll, you might overlook a bet 
and hold me out a drink or two. Will I come back? 

^Iolly — Why. of course. 

Sheriff — Bully for ,vou. old gal ! (Exits b. l.J 

Miss Prissijis — Ain't he handsome? I'll be willing to 
expire .iest here if I could feel his arm around my waist as 
I breathed my last. 

Molly — All the iray around? (Coming down, pushes her 
.•shoulders. Starts hustling off entrance.) 

Miss Prissims — ^Oh. ain't you mean? (She rises and goes 
to take a step, but stops in agony from her tight slippers, 
and sits on the stool aqain, as enter MRS. WESTON, WES- 
TON, and MRS. CARTON and MISS LARRABEE—the two 
latter young and attractive icomen. The WOMEN are 
dressed in fashionahle ball dresses. MOLLY has gone to 
meet him.) 

Mrs. Weston — Here we are. Miss Larlvins I 

Miss Carton — Oh. isn't this perfectly charming ! 

Miss Larrabee: — Charming! (MISS PRISSIMS rises as 
they come.) 

Molly (introducing) — Miss Lulu Prissims, the orchestry 
— Lulu, Miss Weston and lady friends. 



36 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Miss Prissims fhotoinff )—PleaHed to meet you. My, but 
you all do look elegant ! 

Mrs. Weston — That's a prettii toaist iiox're tvearing. 

Miss Prissims — Well, I tblnk myself it's real stylish. 
But, laml sakes I — (apropos of Mrs. Weston's decollete) — 
ain't you afraid of catching cold? (LADIES amused.) 

MoLLY^ — I shouldn't think you'd feel safe exactly — com- 
ing over with all them gems on. There's iQts of rough 
people out here, you know. (Xes to door v..) 

Mrs. Weston — Miss Larkins, I don't know what fear is — 
and I am armed, anyway. (Shoiciiiff an exquisite little 
pistol, ivTiich sJie carries in a special pocket of her dress. 
MOLLY goes np R.j 

Molly — Lulu, show the ladies the dressing-room. (Going, 
over to Imr. To Mrs. Weston) It's through the supper- 
room, on the other side (pointing r. Xes l. and goes behind 
her). 

Miss Prissims — This way. please. (She tvrns and looks 
at the jeuels on Mrs. Weston.) Oh, my! them diamonds 
and pearls! I suppose they're real! (Exits r. SHE icalks 
very gingerly on account of her slippers, as if on eggs: and 
it is evident from her iralk that she can hardly stand it. 
MRS. WESTON leads the ivag after her, and is followed 
off by her two friends, WESTON left behind with MOLLY.) 

Mrs. Carton (at door n.) — Oh, isn't it fun? (Exits.) 

Miss Larrabee — Isn't it? (Exits.) 

(MOLLY removes some bottles on bar. WESTON follows 
her across; as they cross tcith their backs turned r., tiicy 
do not see JIM, who re-enters b. immediately after the 
iromen have exited by that door. HE enters softly and 
sloirly, and tcatching MOLLY and WESTON, steals to the 
staircase tvhich goes to Molly's room, and sits on a step 
halfway up, loatching the other two throngh the rails. 
MOLLY back of bar.) 

Weston (leaning across the bar on his folded arms) — 
Let me help you. 

JMoLLY (laughing) — Oh. yes, that's the way you men help 
a woman! It's done. (Leaning on the bar opposite him.) 

Weston — I wonder If I could kiss you across the bar? 

^NIoLLY (smiling) — I reckon you could if I was willing. 
(JIM comes out -and goes on steps.) 

Weston — Aren't you willing? 

Molly — Good land! Why don't you try and see? (JIM'S 
head rises .Hteathilg above stair rails in his desire to see 
Weston, leans over Molly, who leans toirard him. THEY 
kiss. At the same moment MRS. WESTON opens door 
R. and enters; she sees than, and dratos back quietly. 
THEY don't see him.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 37 

Molly— That'll do : they'll be coming in again. (iShe 
huves the bar and comes outside close to him. BOTH 
keep a lookout on the door k., hut of course are oblirious 
<if the presence of Jim, and so do not look out for him; he 
iratehes through the stair rails.) 

Weston (/;( slightly lotvered voice) — Meet me same place 
to-moxTo\v ? (JIM steals out door c.) 

Molly — Can't say for certain — Jim's back ! 

Weston — What of it? Aren't you going to throw Iiim 
over? 

]MoLLY — I'm afraid of him. 

Weston — You'd better leave this place. (^TART A 
LAIGH OUTSIDE s.) 

Molly— How do you mean? (NOISE of the OTHERS 
behind door R.j Sh ! (As re-enter MRS. WESTON, MRS. 
(JARTON. MISS LARRABEE and MISS FRISSIMS. In 
the bustle of their entrance JIM steals down, the stairs and 
out of door back. He isn't noticed. HE c-rits b. l. and 
passes off to l. instead of to r., where all the others come 
from, <and pass to in using the entrance and exit l. e. JIM 
remains on the piazza that runs around the house; he re- 
mains on the side outside L.j 

Mrs. Carton — I love everything about it; it's all so abso- 
lutely different. 

Miss Larraeee— Absolutely ! 

Mrs. Weston (gin/lij) — ^It seems to me our other guests 
are very fashionable. 

Miss Prissims (delighted) — Oh, we ain't common folks 
out here, ma'am. (MOLLY goes to door r. u., looking off.) 

Mrs. Weston (to Westo)0 — Weston ! A word with you, 
l)lease. (THEY pass aside to l. by the bar. JIM'S face is 
seen, watching stealthily into ivindow "l.) How dare you 
carr.v on with that woman practically in my presence?.. 

Weston (coolly) — I don't know what you mean. 

Mrs. Weston — I came into the room a moment ago. when 
you and she were here! (By the bar. WESTON ivhistles. 
and smiling, S!hrugs his .'Shoulders.) Do what you like when 
you are by yourself, but at least respect my presence and 
that of my friends in this house. 

Weston — Oh, come ; don't make an idiot of .yourself ! 

]Mrs. Weston — ^Oh, you needn't be alarmed, it isn't / that 
does that in public. (NOISE OUTSIDE.) 

Molly (going to door l. c.) — Here comes some other 
folks! (JIM disappears from window. At door.) It's the 
party from Sunset Hill. (Speaking to people outside.) 
This way, please. 

(Enter TWO LADIES and GENTLEMEN, the latter 
dressed in cowboy clothes. MRS. WESTON and WESTON 



38 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

greet them. THEY also greet MRS. CARTON and MISS 
LARRABEE, whom they already Jcnoiv. JOE'S VOICE IS 
HEARD in the distance outside, ealling.) 

Joe — Hello there ! 

Molly— Here come the boys! (WESTON sho)cs the TWO 
LADIES to door, ivhere THEY exit to dressing-room. ALL 
the MEN have hung their hats on wall b. c. MRS. WESTON 
and WESTON separate. WESTON remaining hy bar, MRS. 
WESTON Xing to her friends c.) 

Mrs. Carton — I'm going to see my first real cowhoy! 
I'm so excited. 

Miss Larrabee — So'va I ! 

Molly (in doorway, to Joe, outside) — They're waiting for 
you. 

Joe (hows to Mrs. Weston) — Good evening, .ma'am. We 
was detained on account of the boss's clothes. (Keeps an 
awkuard distance, stands up stage c. MOLLY goes up to 
her room and exits there.) 

Mrs. Weston (going to Joe and shalcing his hand) — Good 
evening. Joe. How handsome you're looking to-night ! 

Joe (terribly embarrassed, aside to her) — For Gawd's 
sake, ma'am ! 

Mrs. Weston (ignoring his exclamation) — I want to pre- 
sent .vou to my friends, Mrs. Carton and Miss Larrabee. 
(BOTH ladies bow graciously. JOE bows several times, 

atokward and emlmrrassed.) Mr. (MRS. WESTON 

icishcs to add Joe's name to the introduction, but doesn't 
know it.) Mr. ? I don't know your last name, Joe. 

Joe — Neither do I, ma'am. Guess Joe'll have to do. 

INIrs. Carton (very pleasantly) — Oh, perfectly, I am sure. 
Joe's such a dear name. 

Miss Larrabee (equally pleased) — A perfect dear! 

Joe — Dave and Pete's outside ; I guess they're afraid to 
come in. (Smiling, he goes to door. The TWO MEN guests 
join Mrs. Carton and Miss Larrabee.) 

Mrs. Carton (to Miss Larrabee) — He's too handsome for 
words ! 

Miss Larrabee — For words ! 

Joe (outside in doorivay) — Come on in, they won't hurt 
you ! (Aside to those outside) Say. they're bates ! (HE re- 
enters.) They're coming. (He goes to Miss Prissims r.. 
whom he greets and talks with, much to her pleasure. 
Re-enter the two LADY GUESTS B., who also greet JOE 
and talk with him. Enter PETE and DAVE. BOTH men 
are awkward and repeat.) 

Dave and Pete— Good evening, ma'am. (MRS. WESTON 
shakes hands tvith them and introduces them, to her friends.) 

Mbs. Weston^ — ^Mrs. Carton, Miss Larrabee. (The WOM- 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 39 

EN shake hands loith the MEN, emharrassiiig them ter- 
ribly.) 

(Enter RANSOM and MIDGE. RANSOM, as all the men 
are, is in coichou clothes. MIDGE is dressed in a plain, 
unf ash ion able, badly made wliite frock, high neck and long 
slceres\ iiith a large ivreath of iiild flowers in her hair, 
tchieh is down. MRS. WESTON has moved toward the 
door to meet them. She greets them with almost esijecial 
cordiality.) The others I think you know. But where is 
Mr. Teddy V (With a gesture toward the other guests.) 

Pete — He's coming; don't you hear him? (RANSOM, 
after sltaking hands, passes on and greets the other 
LADIES, irhom lie knoirs. TEDDY is heard very heavily 
nioiDiting the stairs.) 

Midge — He has to come up awfully slow, for fear of fall- 
iuj?. 

Mrs. Weston — -Dear me! has he hurt himself? What's 
the .ioke? 

Midge — No, but we're afraid he will. (ALL laugh.) He's 
done what you asked him to. 

Joe — Yes, he's got my duds on. (ALL laugh.) 

Teddy (in doorway) — Good evening. (ALL laugh.) 
Well, I've kept my promise, now I'll go home. (Goes up c. 
ALL LAUGH.) 

Mrs. Weston — Oh. no — no — Mr. North! I want to pre- 
sent you to my friends. Mrs. Carton, Miss Larrabee, this 
is Mr. North. 

Teddy (bowing) — Delighted, ladies, i'm sorry I can't 
come nearer, but my friend Joe's feet are in the way — won't 
.vou be so kind as to walk over them and .join me on the 
other side? (Holding his big hat on his chest.) 

Mrs. Carton (laughing)^— You know this is our first visit 
West. 

Teddy — I hope it won't be the last. 

INIrs. Carton— Oh, no ; we are so delighted with every- 
thing. 

Miss Larrabee — Everything! 

Teddy (going back to Mrs. Weston) — We think it's rather 
nice out here ourselves, don't we? (Goes to Mrs. Weston.) 

Mrs. Weston (to Teddy) — Yes. but you mustn't chase me 
around everywhere to-night — you must devote yourself to 
ni.v friends. 

(TEDDY simpli/ .<i1ands .still and looks reproachfully at 
Mrs. Weston. MISS LARRABEE and MRS. CARTON turn 
to talk to Dare and Pete.) 

Miss Prissims — Shall I play now? 

Mrs. Weston — Are you ready for dancing. Mr. Teddy? 

Teddy — Oh, perfectly ! (ALL laugh.) I have on clothes 



40 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

a trifle small imderneatli these, and I'm only waiting for a 
good fairy to say " Presto ! " to shed. 

Midge (in her hi git imiee) — Speaking of clothes, ain't imj 
dress awful pretty V 

Joe — I was thinking. Midge, as it weren't noways your 
regular get-up — -sort of angel-like. 

Midge (tvith a curtsey) — This is the first week's receipts 
of the swear-hox. 

Teddy — Yes. I paid for the shirt waist and one sleeve. 
The rest of the boys shared in the other sleeve. (ALL 
l-augh.) 

Miss Prissims (impatient at the piano) — Ain't you going 
to dance? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes : now, Miss PrisSims. 

Teddy^ — Am I to dance? 

Mrs. Weston — Of course ! 

Teddy — Without changing? 

Mrs. Weston — «Yes 

Teddy — Give my love to mother — I can see my finish. 

Mrs. Carton (coming (toicn) — Jess. I won't dance a step 
unless you take that pistol out of your pocket. 

Miss Larrabee — ^Nor I ! 

Mrs. Weston — Very well : we've plenty of men to protect 
us now. (Xes to Teddy. Gives her pistol to Teddy.) Will 
you take care of that for me? The girls are mortally afraid 
of it in my hands. 

Mrs. Carton — No — in your pocket! 

Teddy — It's a beauty. (Going away with it.) 

Mrs. Weston — Joe gave it to me! (Xes to Midge.) 

Midge and Teddy (at same time, jealously) — Did he? 

Mrs. Weston (to Midge) — It was only a bet: he lost. 
Don't you trouble. (TEDDY places the pistol on the har. 
JIM'S face is seen at the window watching.) 

Mrs. Weston (to Miss Prissims)— A waltz, Miss Pris- 
sims 

Miss Prissims (slipper Mis.) — Just a minute. 

Mrs. Weston — A waltz, Miss Prissims. 

Miss Prissims (after slipper bus. ; calls) — Gents will 
please choose lady friends for the next waltz ! (Plays 
chord on the piano. There is a rush on the part of JOE, 
PETE, DAVE and RANSOM for MIDGE, RANSOM bow- 
ing politely to MRS. CARTON and MISS LARRABEE as 
he leaves them, hurriedly and saying, " Excuse me." ALL 
FOUR MEN meet before MIDGE and bow, speaking at 
once.) 

Joe — Come on, Midge ! 

Pete — Will you give it to me? 

Dave — Give me a chance, Midge! 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 41 

— (All at the same time.) 

(MIDGK UuK.ihs mcrrtlii: m do MRti. CARTOX and MISS 
LARRAlil'JIJ. irho take their desertion veri/ (jood-iiafuredli/. 
MISS PRISSIMS iiKumgeti unobserved to . get tier tight 
white siiiipers off, aud puts them side by side beside the 
piano; she is eindeiitiy nruch more eODifortuble, and sighs 
iritJi relief.) 

Weston — I'm sorry for you all, but Midge has promised 
me her first dance. (TEDDY and MRS. WESTON look up 
surprised and not pleased, and then look at each other 
questioningJy.) 

Mrs. Cakton (to the men)- — Excuse me for not meution- 
iiis; it. but — there are others. (Goes up.) 

Pete — I beg pardon, ma'am. (PETE and DAVE go np 
bashfullij to the two ladies. PETE asks Mrs. Carton to 
dance, DAVE takes Miss Larrabcc. JOE w<atches Midge and 
Weston. WESTON has offered his arm, and MIDGE takes 
it; they walk slmrly to l. TWO other couples change part- 
ners.) 

Mrs. Weston (aside, earnestly to Teddy) — I hope that 
Iteast of a husband of mine isn't going to flirt with Midge. 

(L.) 

Teddy — You can trust little INIidge. 

Mrs. Weston — But you can't my husband. Take her 
away from him — he's not fit (Interrupted.) 

Teddy (interrupting) — I believe you're jealous. 

Mrs. Weston — Jealous! (Laughs heartily.) Come, are 
you going to ask me to dance? Or must I go to melancholy 
Joe, there? 

Teddy — Only over my dead body! (Bows elaborately, 
and they get ready to dance. Chord, "Monte Carlo." MISS 
PRISSIMS starts off playing in impossible time. Each 
couple tries to dance, biit comes to grief at once.) 

Pete — What in hell is this yere dance, anyway? 

Teddy (by the piano and looking at the music from where 
Miss Prissims is playing) — Say, this isn't a waltz! 

Miss Prissims (surprised) — Ain't it? 

Teddy — ^No. (Pointing to music) It's a quadrille. (ALL 
laugh.) 

Miss Prissims — Well, this is all right. (She begins to 
play " The Beautiful Blue Danube,'''' flatting all the upper 
notes. THEY start to dance, but all get laughing at the 
music and stop.) 

Teddy — Say ! let's try that quadrille again. (MISS 
PRISSIMS stops playing.) 

Mrs. Weston — All right ! (To nil) Come along ! Mr. 
Teddy, you must call the figures ! 

Teddy — All right (The quadrille is now ready. Two 



42 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

chords piano B flat, " Georoia Camp Meeting " music. 
TEDDY and MRS. WE8T0N, WESTON and MIDGE, MRS. 
CARTOX and PETE, AIIS8 LARRABEE and DAVE. The 
other couples sit at back and ivatch. Calls) Salute part- 
ners! (ALL how, the two COWBOYS very awkwardly, 
TEDDY iritli great gusto, and almost losing his balance 
again, saying as he recorers, "Ouch!" The quadrille played 
should he one composed of popular airs, and all must sing 
these airs as tliey dance, TEDDY shouting his orders above 
their voices.) First four forward and back ! Cross over ! 
Fool around a minute! (TEDDY does a few fancy steps, 
getting his boot loose and partly off.) Come back! (As 
TEDDY and MRS. WESTON return, she speaks.) 

Mrs. Weston — But this is the lancers! 

Teddy — Is it? (Stumbles.) Oh, well, everything goes. 
Cuuoodle corners ! One — two — three — go ! 

(ALL business irith corners, turn and then turn each his 
own partner. TEDDY turns his corner all right, but on com- 
ing hack and turning Mrs. Weston he trips and falls on his 
knees on the floor, clinging toith both arms around her 
iraist.) 

Miss Prissims (loudly) — Sides! (B flat, "7 want my 
Lulu.") 

Teddy. — Go it ! Forward and back ! (Business of dance. 
MIDGE, who is ncrt to Teddy, is ignorant of dance, and 
TEDDY, with a bow of apology to Mrs. Weston, goes close 
he.nde MIDGE and tells her what to do during her dancing, 
going irith her once or twice, all to Weston's annoyance.) 

INIiDGE — Oh, my ! I ain't no idea ! (TEDDY shows her 
f,'« above.) 

Teddy — Cross over ! Song and dauce ! Come back ! 
(Bus.) Shasshay all! Go it, corners! (Bus. When 
TEDDY comes hack this time to turn Mrs. Weston, he does 
so with marked care, and. an air of mock triumph as ?ic 
succeeds in getting her around ivithout falling.) 

Miss Frissims — All over again! ("Hot Time in the Old 
Toivn " — tipo chords.) 

Teddy — Not on your life ! Give us the next tune ! (SHE 
does so.) All bow — it's good exercise! (ALL bow elab- 
orately.) Forward and back ! Ladies chain ! 

(Enter suddenly at back DICK ROD; stands in doortcay. 
He is dressed in fine white shirt, black frock coat and 
black soft hat. narrow black tie.) 

Dick — Hello! Hello, there! (ALL look up; a moment's 
silence.) 

JoE— Hello, Dick Rod. 

Ali> — Dick Ftod! (The men's right hands involuntarily 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 43 

go to their pistol pockets, hut they try to cocer the move- 
ment and look, nonchalant.) 

Mrs. Weston (aside to Teddy) — Who is he? 

Teddy — He's never been known to miss liis man. (DICK 
has started to stroll in.) 

Joe — Beg i)arclon, but this is private ! 

Dick — Oh, private is it! Well, suppose I made it moi-e 
private by spotting out every blamed lamp ! (Brings out 
his pistol The WOMEN all move in alarm. The j\[EN keep 
their hands on. their pistol pockets, but do not hring out 
the loeapons.) 

Teddy— Hold on! Say! I don't think the gentleman quite 
understands." The hall has ben hired this evening by a lady. 

Mrs. Weston (coming forward) — Won't you present your 
friend, Mr. Teddy? 

Teddy — Mr. Dick Rod. Mrs. Weston. (With a gesture of 
introduction.) Mrs. Weston, Mr. Rod. 

Dick (hoiving loio with great elegance) — Ma'am ! 

Mrs. Weston^I am delighted to meet you. (Offers to 
.s/iflAe hands, so that Dick is obliged to transfer his pistol 
to his left hand.) 

Teddy — Mis. Weston is giving a party to a few personal 
friends — you see the bar is closed. 

Dick — Is it? Well, if the lady would like it otherwise, 
I'll guarantee to open it in one shot! (ALL WOMEN 
shocked.) 

Mrs. Weston — Oh, no, don't trouble ! Won't you join us 
in a dance? 

Dick — No. thank ye ; but I'll promise to keep any blamed 
gent dancing as long as you like, unless he wants a couple 
of balls in his feet. 

Teddy — ^Say, I think we'll be satisfied with just plain 
dancing without any fancy lead trimmings. (Xes over to 
loirer end of the bar.) 

DlcK — Anything to please the ladies — especially you, 
ma'am. (Bowing to Mrs. Weston.) You ain't a widder by 
any chance? 

Mrs. Weston — No. 

Dick (elaborately) — Sorry! 

Teddy (showing the way out plainly) — Good night. (Goes 
back of bar.) 

Dick (turns on Teddy, with a mount of his hand toward 
his pistol pocket. Similar movement on the part of all the 
men) — Oh, I ain't in such a hurry; and it seems a pity not 
to have just one set of pigeons' wings out of you, anyway ! 

Teddy — Yes, it does seem a pity. 

Dick — A little hot lead around your toes every three sec- 
onds would keep you stepping pretty lively, eh? 



44 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Teddy — ^Oh, verj lively — a sort of continuous perform- 
ance. 

(DICK makes a sicceiriiiff glance about the room, each 
man's hand on his pistol tifihtens. DICK laughs; he turns 
to Mrs. Weston.) 

Dick — Ma'am, if I was sure which he was. blamed if I 
wouldn't make you a widder on the spot ; there ain't a gent 

here good enough for you^ (Bows again very low to 

Mrs. Weston und .'itarts to exit. The MEN'S hands leave 
their pistols^ Stopping, he turns half way. toward the door; 
the MEN'S hands go quickly hack to their pistols.) NOT 
O^E! (With a look around, taking in each one of the 
n\cn. Turns again to go out. The men's hand's come partly 
away again from their pistols, but at the doorway he turns 
about, and bark go the men's hands quickly.) Ado, ma'am! 
(Bows, exits. Great relief among the company.) 

Teddy — Pleasant neighbor to have drop in occasionally.! 

Mrs. Weston — Very! Shall we finish the dance? (There 
• a murmur of all tJie others talking together.) 
. Teddy — Say no ! I'ou must let me change my togs. 

Mrs. Weston — Oh. very well, then ! Come into the supiier 
room, girls, for a minute. Mr. Teddy wants to dazzle us. 
Now. come as soon as you are ready. (Exits r.) 

Teddy — Now, iiresto ! Change ! 

(MISS PRISSIMS has slowly got into her slippers dur- 
ing the scene with Dick Rod. She drives the WOMEN be- 
fore her into room r., turns at door and speaks across 
stage to Teddy. SHE exits quickly u.) 

Dave (to Joe, Pete, Ransom and Weston) — ^Say, will you 
'uns go outside for a spell? I want to remark something 
private to the boss (They all make a movement ex- 
cept Pete.) ' 

Pete — On condition you join us outside and let me gab 
with the boss wlien von're through. 

Dave— Agreed! (JOE, PETE. WESTON and RANSOM 
exit back and arc seen outside there on the porch.) 

Teddy — Perhaps you don't think it's warm in these 
clothes. I feel like twins 

Dave — Boss ! 

Teddy — Well? 

Dave — It's tlie little "un — Midge ! 

Teddy — What about her? 

Dave — I want to hitch on to her. 

Teddy (drops boot) — Say. wake up! You've only known 
her tlii'ee weeks. 

Dave — I only want you to put in a good word and fix the 
whole thing up for me. 

Teddy— Oh! is that all? 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 45 

Dave — Oh, I ain't a bad lot! Tell her I don't get drunk, 
jind I never strnck no woman. I allow I kin hoi" my own 
over any honest poker hand in these yere parts. I kin 
work, and I'm honest, and — and — I'd give the biggest mine 
in Colorado if I had it if she'll keep company with me. 

Teddy — Dave, those are^ my sentiments exactly — in re- 
gard to someone else. But why don't you tell Midge all this 
.vourself ? 

Dave — Sort of can't get the grit. Calculated as how 
mebbe you'd try to pump her a little and find which way 
the land lays. (The WOMEN off n. rattle the door and 
J/A\S'. WESTOX calls.) . i :• 

Mrs. \Yeston — Hurry ! Hurry ! 

Miss Peissims (.outside, icith her mouth full) — We're 
eating up all the supper! 

Teddy (calls back to them) — All right — in a minute. (To 
I fare) All right, Dave, if you'll help me off with the other 
transport ! 

Dave — Thank you, boss. 

Teddy — That's all right, Dave; but I can't encourage 
.von. I've strong reasons to believe she's leaning in another 
direction. 

Dave — iMaybe she'll change her mind when yon tell her 
I want her to 

Pete (loolcing in door r. l.^ — Dave, ain't you 'uns nearly 
finished? 

Dave — Yes. (hearing Teddy.) I'm quit! 

Teddy (calls to Pete) — Come on ! — next ! (Bus. pulUng 
off shirt.) 

Pete — Boss ! 

Teddy' — ^Go on. I'll be out in a minute. 

Pete — Boss, I ain't been with this gang long, and I 
don't know as you're on to me (Interrupted.) 

Teddy' (interrupting) — Only on to good points — help me 
off with this polar bear — — 

Pete — Well, say, boss — -I'm what you call in love. 

Teddy — Y"ou don't say so! (Bus. of moving glass down 
bar. PETE follous it.) So am I ! 

Pete — I've got it bad ! 

Teddy' — So've I — awful ! 

Pete — I ain't slept much for three nights. 

Teddy' — I can beat you — me three weeks ! 

Pete — I'm in earnest, boss. 

Teddy' — Earnest isn't in it with me, Peter! 

Pete — I deemed goii might speak to her for mo. 

Teddy- — By George, this is my busy evening ! Who is it. 
Miss Prissims? 

Pete — That ivory thumi^er ! Boss, it's Midge ! 



46 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Teddy — Midge? 

Petk — Well, what do you think, boss? 

Teddy — Think you're crazy! 

Joe (head in (loorway) — Push ahead! Push ahead! 

Pete (to Joe)—43<et out ! She might do worse! 

Mrs. Weston (off rJ — Isn't ^our dudeship ready yet? 

Teddy — In a minute. I'm playing mother to a couple of 
the boys .lust now 

Mrs. Weston — Your primping ; I shall expect to see some- 
thing beautiful. 

Teody^ — A dream. 

Pete — Go on, boss ; work it for me, boss. Tell her I can't 
eat! 

Teddy — She knows better. (TEDDY laughs. Loud knock- 
ing on door r. hy the LADIES, and re-enter JOE i..) 

Joe — C'ome. Pete, they're all getting restless, and I want 
a whack at the boss myself. 

Pete (going to door) — All right (Going to door.) 

Well, I can't eat much ! (Off c.) 

Teddy— Well, Joe? 

Joe — Boss, I've got a load on my mind. 

Teddy — Well, here — ^^increase your load (handing him 
immense glass of whiskey). 

Joe — You see, it's Midge 

Teddy (interrupting) — I know, you love her. Don't talk 
— drink ! 

Joe — How in hell (Interrupted.) 

Teddy— There's a regular epidemic of Midge to-night. 
Bury that • 

Joe — But, look here, boss ! I want to tell you (In- 
terrupted.) 

Teddy (interrupting) — I know you can't eat — don't talk 
— drink ! 

Joe!— Of course — ^I ain't (Interrupted.) 

Teddy — You ain't worthy of her — I never knew a decent 
man in love that was. Don't talk — drink ! 

Joe — But that ain't all ! 

Teddy — No, I know it. You can't sleep — and you want 
me to ask her to marry you ! 

Joe— Not by a darn sight! I'll do the asking! (TEDDY 
comes c. from behind the bar. Xes to i..) 

Teddy — 'No? Bully for you! (Shaking his hand — Xes n.) 

Joe — Only I want you hanging around when I plumbs 
the question to sorter support me. 

Teddy — Support? What are you going to do — faint? 

Joe — Awh ! — you know what I mean ; gimme courage. 

Teddy^ — Give you courage? Well, get it over to-night, or 
Dave'll get ahead of you. 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 47 

Joe (astonished) — Dave! I'll break bis bead if he dast! 

Teddy — Well, while you're breaking Dave's bead Pete'll 
be walking off with the prize. 

Joe (astonished) — 'Pete! Look here, boss; I was willing 
to stand by and give INIister Billy a show, becuz he was a 
gent and could make a lady of her ; but if you think I'm 
a-goin' to stand by for two ornery hulks what ain't no darn 
bit more good enough foi- her'n I be (Interrupted.) 

(Terrific beatiin/ on door n.. irlief-c the WOMEN are, and 
<it same time DAVE. PETE, RANSOM and WESTON ap- 
pear in dooncaii and shout tcith one voiee, "Time!" The 
MEN enter.) 

Teddy — Come on, now ; line up over there. (Leading tcay 
to door R.) 

Weston — Each of us choose one as she comes into the 
room for a walk outside. (The MEN make a double line, 
TEDDY— next door— WESTON, RANSOM, JOE faeing the 
audience on other side of door, with hacK- to the door: 
PETE, DAVE and the other MEN GUESTS.) 

Teddy — No, I have a better idea ; let's all Cakewalk out 
into the moonlight. (EACH chooses his partner as she 
passes him. HE knocks on door.) Come on, ladies; we 
don't want any supper yet. Let's all cakewalk out in the 
moonlight ■ 

]MftS. Weston (laughing from other side of door) — All 
right ! 

(LADIES enter. First, MIDGE, who is taken by WES- 
TON: then OTHER LADIES in turn— MRS. CARTON and 
MISS LARRABEE, tvho are taken by DAVE and PETE; 
then MRS. WESTON, who gives her hand to TEDDY. JOE 
e.rits after other boys. DAVE and PETE, and MRS. WES- 
TON and TEDDY cakewalk alone and stop. If RANSOM is 
in this scene lie and JOE exit together, but doing walk very 
badly, clap hands and keep up the fun by laughing till exit.) 

^Irs. Weston — You can rest now. Miss Prissims. (On one 
side of piano. TEDDY on the other.) 

Miss Prissims (sighs) — I'm jes' dying fur a little teenty 
tiny turn myself ! 

Teddy' (quietly to Mrs. Weston) — Come on and see the 
stars? It's a dandy night! (JOE exits slowly at s,.) 

Mrs. Weston (mischievously ignoring Teddy's remark — 
speaking to Miss Prissints) — I'm sure Mr. Teddy would be 
delighted to give you a turn. 

Teddy — <Ob. delighted! But there's no one to play. (To 
Mrs. Weston) Come on ! 

Miss Prissims — We might hum a tune while we danced ; 
can he hum? 

Mrs. Weston — I'm sure he's a hummer! 



48 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Teddy — No — always made other things hum. 
' Mrs. Wkston — I can phiy a little — though, of course, I'm 
not an artiste like Miss Prissims. 

(TEDDY is (ilarina and malcing nil sorts of signs at Mrs. 
Weston.) 

]Miss Prissims — Oh, that'll be elegant ! (Beginning to 
edge after her slippers, which she had again taken off, with 
her feet, to get them, so she can put them on tcithout being 
observed. ) 

Teddy — All right ; when we come back we'll have a go 
at It. (Making a start aw<ay.) 

Miss Prissims — Oh, that will be elegant. 

Mrs. Weston (following him, in an amused aside to him) 
■ — No : you mightn't eA'er come back. 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — Not on your life ! What have I 
ever done to you? I wouldn't dance with that tub. (Mov- 
ing another step. MISS PRISSIMS is getting into her slip- 
pers.) 

Mrs. Weston (folloicing hint) — Yes, you ivill — to please 
me ! 

Teddy (seriously, pathetically) — Why? Does it always 
please you to have me make a guy of myself? 

Mrs. Weston (smiling) — I don't know but it does! Be- 
sides, think what a joy it will be for this poor creature to 
dance once with you! It will last her a year! 

Teddy — It will last me my life ! (Starts to go u) 

Mrs. Weston — 'I'll take a walk with you afterwards — 
out there in the moonlight. 

Teddy— Will you? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes ! 

Teddy — Honest ? 

Mrs. Weston (still smiling) — As Midge says, " Cross my 
heart." 

Teddy — You haven't got any to cross ! Miners the only 
heart you cross. But I'll trust you. 

(She stands to one side to let him pass to Miss Prissims, 
tcho noir> has her slipper on and has been tcatching them 
surreptitiously from the corner of her eye, half turned 
toward him on the piano. She sees the movement of Mrs. 
Weston and the movement of Teddy toward her, and quickly 
swings back facing the piano, assuming an air of modest 
exp0ctation. TEDDY makes <a movement to go to her, takes 
a step or tioo, and weakens, shakes his head and turns 
around to look at Mrs. Weston, as if to say, "It's too much; 
I can't do it." MRS. WESTON stands straight and unre- 
lenting, and after a look of comic piteous appeal to her 
TEDDY shrugs his shoulders and buckles up to the task. 
He makes a " bee-line " for Miss Prissims. MISS PRIS- 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 40 

8IMS turns quicldu and lisos, almost taklny Teddy's hreatJi 
aivay, and before lie can ask her she speaks.) 

Miss Prissims (deJliihted) — I'm ready! (X.es to lJ 

Teddy — Are yow'i (Almost knocked over.) Yes, so I see. 
(With a long, loud sUjh) I wish I was! 

(MRii. WElisTON is with difflculty controlUny her lamjh- 
ter—she goes to piano.) 

Mrs. AVeston^ — ^What is it to be? (Sits on piano stool.) 

Teddy — Life or death ! (Piano bus.) 

Mrs. Weston — No, no! which do you choose? 

Teddy — Death ! 

Mrs. Weston (laughing a little in spite of herself) — 
Stop jolving! What is it to be? 

Miss Prissims (laughs at Teddy's joke) — Oh, I think a 
waltz nicest ; you get so separated in a i)Olli;a. Don't you 
think? 

Teddy — No, I don't think ! 

Weston — Come, now ; it's a waltz. 

(MISS PRISSIJIS holds her arm open, ready to embrace 
Teddy in the dance, and TEDDY goes to her with his open 
ready to dance; just as lie reaches her lie suddenly turns 
uround and goes back quickly to Mrs. Weston, to Bliss Pris- 
sims' evident disappointment, and a necessary accom pa lin- 
ing change hi her position.) 

Miss Prissims (speaks across to Mrs. Weston) — Oh, dear ; 
ain't he (begins to play) bashful! 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — 'You'll keep your promise? 
(MRS. WES'TO?>' nods her head violently as sJie plays with- 
out turning to look at Teddy. He turns abritytly to Miss 
Prissims niid speaks peremptorily and half angrily.) Come 
on! (He grabs licr almost roughly.) 

Miss Prissims (delighted) — Oh, ain't you strong! 

Teddy (with Miss Prissims in his arms standing still, to 
Mrs. Weston — over Miss Prissims' shoulder) — A good long 
iralk! — not a chase off the stoop and back! 

Mrs. Weston (playing) — Yes, yes! (They start to dance; 
site stops him and speaks archly.) 

Miss Prissims — Now don't you tickle nte, will you? 

Teddy — I'm not going to tickle you ! Hurry up ! (They 
start to dance •again. After a few false starts get off, but 
out of step. etc. They stop and try over once again. MRS. 
WESTOlSi^ is watching them over her shoulder and laughing 
.so she can, hardly play. TEDDY, icho has been very mourn- 
fvl. has to laugh himself as they fail a second time. Mean- 
ichile Miss Prissims' slippers hMve begun to hurt her very 
badly.) 

Miss Prissims — Say. excuse me. but I think I could dance 
better with you if I had kept on Joe's boots. (MRS. WES- 



50 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

TON, who can no longer refitrain her laughter, runs, latigh- 
iiig hystcricaUy. from the room off b. Calls as sJie goes.) 
\yiiere are you going? 

Mrs. Weston (laughing as she exits)— VU be back in a 
moment. 

Miss Prissims (offended) — What's tlie matter? 

Teddy — I don't know — maybe she's a little jealous. 

Miss Peissims — Of me! Oh, go away! Ain't you a flirt! 
(He goes to door r. which Mrs. Weston has left open and 
beckons strongly for her to come back.) 

Miss Prissims — Perhaps yon don't know that since I've 
been in Silverville two men have shot themselves for love 
of me. 

Teddy — Before — or after? (He looks off again and 
beckon.?.) 

Miss Prissims — I don't know what you mean. 

(Re-enter J//?.Sf. WESTON, calming herself evidently with 
an effort.) 

Mrs. Weston— Excuse me. (MISS PRISSIMS goes l.; 

Teddy — I thought perhaps you'd gone to get me a drink ! 

Mrs. Weston — I'll go and make yon a cocktail. 

Teddy (quickly) — No. no! (BUDGE heard calling off lJ 

Midge— Brother Teddy! Brother Teddy! (MIDGE en- 
ters running l.. folloiced by WESTON more sloivly. This 
entrance surprises those on the stage.) Brother Teddy! 
(Goes to him and taking his arm.) 

Teddy — What's the matter? 

Midge — Don't leave me alone with liim ! He held me in 
ills arms for all I could do. 

Mrs. Weston (Xes to Weston) — You beast! (Xes x..) 

JiIidge — There's never no cowboy, no, nor half-breed on 
or near Silverville as has said to me such things as him, 
nor done as he tried. 

Teddy (in a rage at the latter part of her speech, goes 
threateningly np to Weston. Takes him by the throat) — I'll 
kill you for insulting this girl ! 

Midge (cries out) — Brother Teddy! 

Mrs. Weston (ivith her hand on Teddy's arm) — Leave 
him alone; he isn't fit for you to touch! (TEDDY very 
slowly leares go his hold on Weston, and as .■<lowl)i turning, 
looks amazed at Mrs. Weston — surprised at the tone of her 
roicc, -which he has never heard before addressed to him. 
He looks at her tenderly, gratefully, qnestioningly. A short 
pause.) 

Weston (recorering him-'<clf) — Come on! I'll fight you 
out in the open ! 

INIidge — No! (MRS. WESTON also makes <i movement 
toward Teddy and shakes her head.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 51 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — No, don't ask me not to. (To 
Weston) I'm ready ! 

Midge (ui)iJeuUityly to Mrs. Weston and cUuf/im/ tifjhter 
to Trddi/'s arm) — Mrs. ^Veston ! 

Mus. ^^'EST0N — ^Not now — please, for Midge and for my 
sake! Some other time, when you are calmer, punish him 
if you like ; later — to-night — if you wish ^.i momenfs 

pause.) 

Teddy — Very well — for ijour sake— and Midge's. But I 
am not through with you yet! 

Mks. Weston — Thank you. Won't you take Midge to the 
others and come back for — me? (He hoirs. To Miss Fris- 
sims) Won't you go into the dressing-room':' I want to ask 
yon not to mention this to the others. 

Miss Prissims — Oh, certainly! 

Teddy (to Weston) — You — well, I'll tell you what I think 
of you kiter. Come, Midge! (WESTON laughs; goes to 
her. He starts to exit at b. with Midge; she stops him.) 

Midge; — Wait a minute! (She goes quickly to Mrs. Wes- 
ton and takes her a little aside and tchispers.) It was Mm 
who saved your life that day by the Niagara canyon ! 

Mus. Weston (in great surprise) — Master Teddy?? 

Midge — Alone, by himself, he done it. (MIDGE goes 
quickly to Teddy, and they exit at r.) 

Mrs. Weston (aside) — What a cruel fool I've beeii ! (To 
Weston.) Now, I want you to listen to what I say and 
understand it. for I mean it. (When she is left alone with 
Weston, MRS. WESTON recovers.) This ends even our 
fictitious life together. From to-night on, I do not know 
you. (He laughs.) Do you understand? Yon. go your 
way — Heaven help you where it leads you to ! — and I go 
mine. (He lights a cigarette.) 

Weston — Don't be foolish. (Throws cigarette away.) 
This isn't our first quarrel. 

Mrs. Weston — More shame to us ! It is the last. 

Weston — I'm not sure I can't force you by the law to 
live with me so long as we remain man and wife. (Goes 
up.) 

Mrs. Weston — I don't believe that is the law. (Goes 
up after him.) 

Weston — If it isn't, I shall call on your church to help 
me ! I don't intend to let you go your own way. 

Mrs. Weston — You can't prevent me ! Ever since I mar- 
ried you, you've heaped sorrow and disgrace upon me. Your 
name which you gave me to bear has been the byword for 
scandal in every city we have lived in. I came to you an 
innoc-ent girl, and you soon made me into a hard and bitter 
woman, knowing more than any woman should ever know 



52 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

of shame. (Turns.) All this is in the past, and though 
your shadoir must fall over my future, I'A'e made up my 
mind it shall be onlij your shadoiD that darkens it, and 
not i/O'U yourself. 
■I Weston — Very well, we'll see ! 

tMrs. Weston — W^e will! George. I'm desperate! God 
forgive me. hut I hate you ! 

Weston — Hate is next door to love. (Ooing close to her.) 

Mrs. Weston — Be careful ! (Xes x..) 

Weston — Jess, I'll niaive you forgive and forget (close 

to her.) You understand these other women are only pas- 
times, while you I respect and — love — ■ — • (Interrupted.) 

Mrs. Weston — Don't! (Pushing him icith her tiro hands 
hi/ force with an evident strong eftort.) I shall go mad if 
you come so close to me. I'm afraid ! I feel to-night I 
could kill you ! (Diirihg- this last speech of Mrs. Weston's 
TEDDY has entered and overhears her last words. He 
starts amazed and frightened at her threat.) 

TRddy (r. ) — Mrs. Weston! What are you saying? 

Mrs. Weston (l.) — 7 meant it — / meant U! ('l. A mo- 
ment's pause. In irhieh the three stand looking at each 
other. TEDDY conies down b..) 

Weston (c.) — This is not your affair. North. 

Teddy — Mrs. Weston asked me to come hack to her. You 
heard her > (n. WESTON goes iip c. to door.) 

(MRS. WESTON sinks irith elbow on Imr l.. her hack 
toirard Teddii. TEDDY stands behind her at a distance, 
iooking ^at her irith great sirmpathy. desiring to say some\ 
tiling to comfort her — not knowing what to say.) 

Teddy .(hesitatingly, an.rionsly) — Mrs. Weston ! (No an- 
furer.) Mrs. Weston, can't I help you? (Distrtist fully) 
As you wish. (He starts to go.) 

AIrs. Weston — In five minutes I shall be ready. 

Teddy — In five minutes I will be back. (Exit TEDDY 
at back. TEDDY meets Weston in door c.) 

Weston (laughs, then goes to r.. saying) — Jess, see here! 

Mrs. Weston (at door r. to Weston) — You are not to fol- 
low me! (She crits r.. ■'flamming door in his face^ Weston 
.stands still •a moment, then goes softly up the stairs to 
Molly's room, taps softly, opens door and speaks. At the 
f^ame time JIM'S face appears at the window l. ivatching.) 

Weston — Put on your hat and coat. Come down; I want 
yon ! 

Molly — 'Just what I'm doing: come in and help me. 

(READY LIGHTS.) 

Weston — Make haste ! 

(READY FOR LI(4HTS OUT.) 



THE C'OWBOY AND THE LADY 53 

(Enters, leaving door h<ilf open — the light in the room 
■\)ioirs through tJie open door.) 

' (LIGHTS OUT.) 

(JIM enters steaJthilg and quickly from hack. He first 
goes to bar and taken Mrs. Weston's pistol, which lies there; 
nc.rt he goes to each lamp quickly and puts it out, till 
finally the room is left in darkness, save the moonlight 
n-hiili streams in throuqh the n'indon: and the light from 
Molly's room. The murmur of MOLLY and WESTON'S 
roices are heard.) I'ui going to leave this place for good 
to-iiiglit. 

INIOLLY — Alone? 

Weston — Not if you'll go with me. (Opening door ivide, 
leans against its side, facing inside the room, so that he 
doesn't yet notice the darkness of the hall.) Didn't you 
hear the quarrel I had just now with my wife? 

]MoLLY (inside the room) — No, you can't hear nothing in 
tins place; the partitions hetween the rooms are regular 
logs, you know. (When WESTOX appears, JIM is extreme 
R., irhere he has )iist put out the last lamp. As the two 
speak he quickly and stealthily steals across to heside and 
behind the staircase ^.) 

Weston — Hurry up! (He turns and finds the hall dark.) 
Hello! who's put the lights out? (Calls) Hello, down there! 
(A pause for a reply ; there is a tnonient's complete silence, 
then, Molly speaks.) 

Molly — What's the matter? (Joins Weston — a little 
frightened.) Who put the lights out? 

WestoN — That's what I want to know ! 

Molly (very frightened; seizes Weston) — George! 

Weston — 'What's the matter? You aren't afraid of the 
dark, are you? (Trying to lead her doivn the steps; she 
pulls him back.) 

Molly — No, it's Jim I'm afraid of! He was here to- 
night. (Stopping half way doicnstairs.) 

Weston — Well, whftt did he want? 

Molly (in a half ichisper) — :If you hadn't suggested our 
getting oiit together to-night I was going to tell you we'd 
have to go or give each other up. Jim is on to us. 

Weston — What of it? I'm not afraid of the half-bi'eed. 

Molly — But I am — awful afraid! And I'm afraid it's 
him turned out the lights — to do us both harm. 

Weston — Come on, then — iquick! (Leads her dotvn.) 
I'm here to protect you. 

Molly — I know Jim ! He's suspicious of you, and he'd 
rather see m^ dead than lost to him. He'd kill us both as 
soon as eat! (THEY have come to the bottom of the steps 
and have taken a few steps into the room and are now in 



54 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

the bright streak of moonlight. JIM has come behind them 
during tJiese two steps.) 

Jim (close behind them, in a strong, low, terrible voice) — 
Sooner! (MOLLY gives a loud, awful gasp of horror, and 
turning quickly, runs for her life up the staircase, stum- 
bling once, renches her room, and is heard bolting herself in. 
WESTON has started back in surprise at Jim's voice.) 

Weston — You damned scoundrel ! (JIM grunts, and the 
two men grapple. THEY silently strui/gle a moment in and 
out of the light, and then JIM gets his r. arm free. MRS. 
WESTOX'S pistol in his hand flashes in the light, and at 
the same moment in the distance outside TEDDY is heard 
whistling " / love a lovely girl, I do," etc. There is u sharp 
report; WESTON staggers. JIM catches him just as he 
falls and lets him down softly — dying.) You Indian dog! 
I'm done for ! Jess ! Jess ! Forgive me — forgive ! (He 
dies lying on the floor in the streak of moonlight. JIM 
stands over him a moment and grunts. The irhistling is 
heard a little louder. JIM throtvs his head quickly, listen- 
ing a .second, then he hurriedly but without sound gets to 
the staircase and up it to Molly's room. He tries to open the 
door; it is bolted.) 

Jim (in a threatening ivhisper) — Lemme in! (He waits 
a second, but there is no response. He shakes the door — 
not too loudly.) Lemme in! D'you liear? (Again he waits 
a second.) Wliat you 'fraid of? Jim won't hurt you ! Him's 
all I want to get rid of, so Jim can have you for hisself for 
always! (He waits again — a little louder and frightened.) 
Lemme in. I say, or they'll catch me ! If you no open 
the door I'll break him down and kill you and me both 
before they can catch me. Jim mean it ! 

MoLi-Y (in a hoarse whisper the other side of her door) — 
You px'omise you won't hurt me? 

Jim — ^Yass— quick ! (The bolt is draicn, he opens the 
door, slinks in. and bolts it behind him. The ivhistling 
stops; TEDDY is heard outside coming up the steps.) 

Teddy (outside) — The five minutes are up! 
MUSIC CUE PP. (5) 

(He comes into the door, but is stopped short finding the 
hall in darkness. At the very same moment HE enters, 
but after his speech outside, ichich she doesn't hear, MRS. 
WESTON enters from b. and also stops in the doorway on 
account of the darkness. Both give vent to an exclamation 
at once., i. e., at the same time, so that neither hears the 
other. In surprise) Hello ! 

Mrs. Weston (iti surprise) — Dear me! (A moment's 
pause, as they gaze into the dark room. Each one sees 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 55 

something on the floor in the moonlight, and both start. 
Then, nnronscioits of euch other's presence, they eonie slowly 
and sofihi fonrurd. feeling their icag, as it irere, in the 
dark, iritJi an anful f<nsiueion and dread, as it were, on 
their faces. WESl'ON lies obliquely Kith his head toward 
the npi)er r. corner of the stage, the moonlight on him. 
TEDDY approaches him from up u b. MRS. WESTON 
approacltes him from b. The eyes of both are flxed on the 
body when they reach it. the body between them,, he above 
it. site below; both now in the moonlight themselres. They 
IJien recognize it, and each starts bade iritli a cry of 
horror.) 

Tkddy— GOOD GOD! 

(READY FOR LIGHTS UP ONE-HALF) 

Mrs. Weston — Weston ! (THEY hear each other's voices, 
and after starting bade, they lift their heads, and standing 
in the streak of moonlight, they look into each other's 
face across Weston's body. There is an awful moment of 
recognition — followed by a long pause, as each gazes, first 
<nnazcd. and tlicn horrifled, at the other, each one believing 
tiie other to be the murderer. This pause must be held as 
long as possible, as if it were beyond belief, but still tcith- 
out doubt, as she had apparently found him "red-handed.") 
You? 

Teddy (with all the same emotions)— MRi^. WESTON? 
(Another pause, but much shorter, broken by MIDGE'S 
voice outside.) 

Midge (outside) — Brother Teddy ! Here's the Sheriff — 

can't we ask him in — to supper ? (As she is speaking 

she agpears in the doorway and finds all darTcness.) Hello! 
What's the matter? 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston — puts his finger on his lips, 
n-hispers) — Sh ! Trust to me. (All the others enter after 
Midge— rJOE, PETE, DATE, RANSOM, MRS. CARTON, 
MISS LARRABEE and MISS PRISSIMS.) 

All (in a confused murmur of voices) — What is it? 
What's the matter, etc., etc. 

(MUSIC STOPS) 

Sheriff — It's all dark! (JOE lights a match.) 

Joe — Anyhody here? (Coming quickly down.) 

Teddy — Yes. 

Midge — That's a comfort. (She has come forward toxv<trd 
the streak of moonlight ; she starts back horrified.) Oh! 
(All irith her see and start back, too, with fright and hor- 
ror. Exclamations of the company.) 

Joe — Good Gawd ! 

Pete — Hell ! 

Ransom— Good heavens ! 



5G THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Mrs. Carton — Merciful heavens ! 

Miss Larkabee — Oh, honors ! 

Miss Puissims — My gooduess ! 

(AT ONCE) 

(Tico ivotneu scream loudly.) 

(DAVE lights « hinip.) 

(FOOTS UP ONE-THIRD) 

Pete — Weston ! Picked ! 

Sheriff (coming through crowd) — What's this? What's 
this? A man killed? 

Omnes — Man killed! 

Joe — No, not killed — dead! (DAVE comes down icith 
lighted lamp.) 

Sheriff (leaning over the body) — I tell you the man's 
been shot. And here's the weapon. (Holding up Mrs. 
,Wcston's psitol.) 

Mrs. Weston (surprised) — What! — my — ■ — ! (Inter- 
rupted. TEDDY interrupts by a quiet look.) 

Sheriff — Yours! Is this your pistol? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes, it'r — it's mine! 

Sheriff (whistles) — You acknowledge that? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes, I — I took it off — and gave it — I gave 
it to — that is., I didn't want — I — didn't want it 

Sheriff (very slowly and impressively) — And you tcere 
found here just now with the body? 

Mrs. Weston — No, no ! I came in and found the body 

with (8he stops aghast at the thing she is about to 

say.) No ! — ^I mean — when I came in just now. I didn't 
find — I didn't find — that is — I found — the body alone! 

Sheriff — You contradict yourself, madam. (His hand 
on Weston's hand.) The man can't have been dead more 
than a few minutes. (Rising.) I'm very sorry, but I must 
place you under (Interrupted.) 

Teddy — Say, Sheriff, one minute. That is the lady's 
pistol — ^but I took it from her early in the evening. This 
was the lady's husband — I hated him — you understand? 
Don't trouble her. I am the one you're looking for! 
(MUSIC PP.) 

(A moment, then movement and' exclamation from every- 
one.) 

]Mrs. Weston (impulsively) — No, no ! (TEDDY looks at 
her gratefully, but shakes his head slightly and holds out 
his hands toward the Sheriff.) 

Teddy — Mrs. Weston found me beside the body ! 
(SHERIFF'S hand on Teddy's shoulder.) 
quick curtain. 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 



ACT III 

Scene — The Courtroom at SilrerriUc. A pleasant, sifiiny 
room, ivitli toariii hroicii iralls. At c. hack is the Judge's 
desk and seat. On each side of him are two square xcin- 
dows through tchieh the morning sky and some trees are 
seen. l. c. is the prisoner's seat; at l. are the seats for the 
Jurors; at b. c. is the place for the icitnesses to give their 
evidence; at b. are rotes of benches for the public. At b. b. 
is the room where the icitnesses are. 

Discovered — At the curtain, the Courtroom is crowded. 
The TWELVE JURYMEN are in their places; the seats for 
the public are crowded. In the front row are MRS. CAR- 
TON and ili/.S'.S' LARRABEE, and with them DAVE. Back 
in the croiod are JIM and MOLLY LARKIN, side by side. 
TEDDY is in the prisoner's place, with RANSOM beside 
him. The DISTRICT ATTORNEY who is conducting the 
case against Teddy, in his place. The Jury look solemn, 
and against Teddy. Loud noise and confusion, cat-calls, 
tchistling, hissing and booing. The JUDGE raps for order 
in vain. Einally the SHERIEF calls out ''Order!" with a 
strong, forceful voice, and the noise subsides. 

Sheriff — We must have order here, gentlemen I 

Omnes — Pete's a fool, etc. 

Judge (to Teddy) — Do you wish to examiue this witness 
further? 

Teddy (to Judge) — No, your honor. (PETE rises. To 
Pete) That's all right, I'ete ; I know you meant to help 
me, hut take my word for it, lying never pays. 

Judge (to Pete) — You can remain in the Courtroom if 
.vou like. (PETE nods Iris head and joins 2Irs. Carton, 
Xing R. The public slightly hiss Pete again as he joins 
them.) 

Pete — I wanted to help him ! I wanted to help him I 
(And he bursts out sobbing as he sits witJi Jiis liead in his 
hands.) 

Judge — Ladies and gentlemen, there seems to he a mis- 
taken idea on the part of this puhlie. You are not present 
as Judge — that is nnj function — and I feel capable of doing 
my duty — without assistance from you. I do not intend to 
have repeated to-da.v the scenes of yesterday, during the 
examination of Molly Larkin and the Indian. Call the next 
witness. ; 

Attorney (to Sheriff) — The man called Joe! (Sheriff 
opens door l. b. and beckons off. Enter JOE. He nods to 
the Judge.) 



58 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Sheriff — Go there (pointing to witness box. JOE, 

icith a nod to Dave <and Pete and the Ladies, goes to the 
box. He looks over and smiles at Teddy encouragingly, and 
shakes liis own hand, as if shaking Teddy's. Teddy returns 
the compliment ivith the same business. Dave and Pete 
Hatch Joe eagerly, on the alert to give him a hint as to 
his testimony.) 

Attorney — Yon lived on the ranch with the prisoner? 

Joe — Yes. thanlj God ! 

Attorney — Weston used to come to the ranch? 

JoE^Otterner than he was welcome ! 

Attorney— Oh. then North didn't liice him? (TEDDY 
tries to object. Joe speaks before Teddy.) 

Joe — I ain't said that. None of us war fur or agin him : 
he jes' weren't one of us ! (TEDDY sits feeling the answer 
is satisfactory.) 

Attorney — Did you ever hear of any sort of misunder- 
standius between Weston and North? 

Joe — No. 

Attorney — Was North to your knowledge particularly 
fond of BIrs. Weston? 

Joe — We all was! 

Attorney — Did you notice ever any symptoms of jeal- 
ousy of North on the part of Weston? 

Joe — Don't know what you're driving at! 

Attorney — I'm driving at the fact that Weston was jeal- 
ous of North. 

Teddy (rises quickly, saying) — You're not on the stand; 
let the witness do the testifying. (Sits.) 

Joe — Weston worn't jealous of no man what made love 
to his wife. 

Attorney — Did North make love to Mrs. Weston? 

Joe — Not by a (Interrupted.) 

Judge (interrupting) — Answer yes or no. 

Joe — ^No. 

Attorney — But hejoved her? 

Teddy (to Judge; rising) — Y'our Honor. I object to the 
question. 

Judge — Objection sustained. (TEDDY sits.) 

Attorney — Were Mrs. W^eston and her husband on good 
terms? 

Joe — I don't know. 

Attorney — What do you think? 

Joe — Should think she was a damn fool if they was! 

Judge — Confine yourself to simpler language. 

Attorney — 'What do yovi know against the deceased? 

Joe — He chased every petticoat in sight. 

Attorney — Is that unusual in Silverville? 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 59 

to'^rmraTtei^ ""'" ''''"'* '^^'" Petticoats that we ain't no call 
^^Attoeney-You were with North shortly before the mur- 
Joe — Yes. 

Teddy (smiling)— Oh, go on, tell' him Joe ' 

event, you must show n.ore respect for thelrtoms 'o"f t2 

Teddy— I beg your Honor's pardon. (JUDGE how^ fn 
Attorney to go on with the examination J *' 

Attorney— You agree with other witnesses that the nvi<. 
oner is a noted amateur fighter'' ^^^ 

He'S^^ iS::^l^ '"" ^"^"-= ^- ^- '-^^ anything. 
Attorney— I see; he is used to fightin- He is of .„ 
aggressive nature? (Joe doesn't a1togeZr-\uuIer,tand ) 
one,'::^M-!!l\^"^^^" - ^«- ^- ain't Afraid to tckleliiy- 

eu^rsr^itln?^' ^' ^^'^^^^^"^ P«^^^^'^ ^- ^^e - 

Joe— Of course— though he didn't 

ATTORNEY-Was Mrs. Weston fond of North*' 
chSl-^"""^^-' ''''''' -^ '''' ^"^««- -"■« f<-- a con- 
saw '°or7i?n'r?'Vhr ^"«*^i°^^|-. Anything which the witness 
StTon'L'admisibr "'^' "'"^^ *"^^^^ *« ^^^^ t^'-^* con- 

fr;p tw ^.IV^ >'0" any reason to believe if she were 
tiee they might have got married'' 

Joe— Nothing would have pleased the bovs better 

objeet.) ^'" ^'''^" "^' • (^^ODl IS again about to rise to 

Joe— Ought'er ; she'd had the pick of the bunch' (TEDDY 

Att'LneyT.'?:^^^^^^ '' ^^^urdansii^r.r' 

riseZ ^ ^ec7dj/;-Your witness, Mr. North. (TEDDY 



m THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Judge (to Teddy) — One moment. (To Joe) Did you, too. 
hear the prisoner state his guilt to the Sheriff shortly after 
the murder? , 

Joe (suUenly, with difflculty speaking the truth) — Yes. 

Teddy (excitedly) — ^I have retracted that confession — I 
lied to save the woman I loved, whom I thought in danger. 

Judge (interrupting quickly) — Go on with your cross- 
examination. 

Teddy (ignoring the Judge's orders) — I should not be 
defending myself now were it not that the woman in ques- 
tion is safe from all suspicion of guilt 

JxTDGE — You must continue with the witness. (JUDQE 
motions to Teddy to begin his excunination of Joe.) 

Teddy — When you heard me say I killed that man did 
ypu believe me? 

Joe — Not for a minute ! 

Teddy — Why? 

Joe — 'Cause I know'd as you didn't do it! 

Attorney (rising) — I move that be stricken from the 
record. 

Judge (to Stenographer)— strike it out. (ATTORNEY 
sits.) 

Teddy — What would you call in your own picturesque 
language the attacking of an unarmed nuxn in the dark 
with a pistol ? 

Joe— What a Gad ! 

Teddy (quickly) — No oaths. 

Joe (after a 'moment's hesitation) — A dirty, ornery, low- 
down trick ! 

Teddy — Did I ever take the slightest unfair advantage 
in any fight I was ever in ? 

Joe — Never ! 

Teddy — Have I ever to your knowledge in.iured a living 
soul? ; 

Joe — No, by (Interrupted.) 

Teddy (interrupting)— l^et it go at " No." Have you 
heard me quarrel time and time again with the boys to 
keep them from lynching ? 

Joe — Yes. It's the only real grudge the boys hev agin 
.vou. 

Judge — Are these questions material? 

Teddy — I think so. (Forgetting himself and his exam- 
ination for a moment.) I want to prove that I have always 
been on the side of law and order, and no matter how cir- 
cumstances mav point against me; in sjiite of my confes- 
sion of guilt tiiat night, which was a lie, still I want to 
persuade these twelve men by giving them a knowledge of 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY Gl 

uiy character ; that it was not possible for me to do the 
atrocious deed of which I stand here accused. 

(Timid murmur of approval from audience, "Good — 
i/ood .' ") 

Judge — Continue the cross-examination of your witness. 

Teddy — In your conversation witli me, about which you 
were .just now questioned, when you refused to answer, 
what iras the sub.iectV 

Joe (terribly embarrassed) — It was about — loving and 
gettin' married — ■ — 

Teddy — Love for wliom? 

Joe — Oh, boss ! 

Teddy — Go on, speak out ! You forget what's at stake — 
old man. my life 

Joe — I wanted Midge — — 

Teddy (to Judge) — My little adopted sister. 

Joe — And you said as you hain't no objections, and ad- 
vised me to go ahead and ast her 

Teddy — What else did we talk about? 

Joe — Nothing else. (He smiles.) The whole blamed gang 
wanted her, too 

Teddy' (to Joe) — Say, Joe, have you asked her yet? 

Judge (to Teddy) — That question is not 

Teddy — Oh, go on. Judge : let me ask ; I'd feel easier 
aboiit the little girl in case it goes wrong with me here! 

Joe — Boss, she took to the idea like a duck to the water. 
(TEDDY leans out to JOE, who lemis. over to him, and 
they shake hands.) ■/■,']' 'I'l' i iV/ ' . 

Teddy — Bully, Joe — ■ — ! 

Judge — Continue the examination. 

Teddy' — Beg your pardon. Judge. (Goes back to his place, 
smiliny affectionately at Joe.) I tell you, Joe, you've got 
a great girl ! (JUDGE raps once, and TEDDY quickly 
(joes on a-ith Iris questions.) Did you ever know of my 
making love to Mrs. Weston? 

Joe — No. 

Teddy — Did you ever hear me say anything about ever 
ntarrj/ing Mrs. Weston? 

Joe — We'd all have been red hot for it, but there warn't 
never nothing said. 

Teddy — Was everyone in Silverville as pleasant to Wes- 
ton as I was? 

Joe — ^No. Half the push always gave him the shake 

Teddy' — I've finished with the witness. 

(A long sigh of relief from Teddy's friends among the, 
public; a movement of everyone speaking in loiv tvhispers 
one to the other. Similar movement among the Jury. Bus.) 

Judge (to Joe) — You may join the public. 



62 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Joe — Thank you. (To Teddy, with real Reeling) Gooil 
luck, boss ! 

Teddy — God bless you, Joe ! 

Judge — The next witness. 

Attorney — Louisa Prissims. 

(SHERIFF opens door r. e. and heckons off. Enter MISS 
PRISSIMS — crowd titters— Miss Prissims rather fright- 
ened and very nervous. Sheriff leads her to the tvitness 
stand.) 

What are you? 

Miss Prissims — Beg pardon? 

Attorney — What are you? 

Miss Prissims — I'm a woman. 

Attorney — I mean, what's your business? 

Miss Prissims — I am the pianiste of the dance hall. 

Attorney — You remember tlie night of the murder? 

Miss Prissims — Yep. 

Attorney — What is most indelibly stamped upon your 
mind? 

Miss Prissims (looks embarrassed and hesitates) — I — 
I waltzed with Mr. North. (All LAVQH NOT TOO LOUD. 
TEDDY buries his face in his arms laughing. Laughter in 
the court. Miss Prissims looks surprised and frightened.) 

Attorney — I mean as to the murder. You were with 
Mr. Weston and the prisoner a short time before ? 

Miss Prissims — Yes — I think so^ 

Attorney — Aren't you sure? 

Miss Prissims — No, I ain't exactly sure. 

Attorney — Did you hear their conversation? 

Miss Prissims — I don't know — I forget ! 

Attorney' — Now, what did happen? 

Miss Prissims — I — I — don't remember 

Attorney — What do you remember? 

Miss Prissims — Me and Mis' Weston went into the 
dressing-room, and she laid down and I eat a sandwich. 
I eat two; and we stayed about ten minutes — and when I 
went out — I saw her husband dead. 

Attorney — Y^ou seem to remember all that very per- 
fectly. 

Miss Prissims — Yep. 

Attorney — When you and Mrs. Weston left Weston, he 
was alone — — ? 

Miss Prissims — Yep. 

Attorney — I am through, your Honor ; but I should like 
the privilege of calling this witness again. 

Judge (to Teddy) — Do you wish to question the witness? 

Teddy (with humor) — I beg to be excused, your Honor! 



THE COAVBOY AND THE LADY 63 

Judge — The next witness. (The SHERIFF motions MiNf 
Prissims to a place icith the public.) 

Miss Prissims (going to scat) — I just hate that man ! 

Attorney — The girl Midge. (SHERIFF opens door u. b. 
and beckons off. Enter MIDGE. She is pale, and on the 
verge of tears; her face is drawn icith the suspense and 
fear of the moment. Sheriff leads her to witness box. Her 
first look has been at the Judge, and then her eyes have 
quickly traversed the court for Teddy. She finds him; her 
eyes dilate and her breath comes more quickly. She goes 
to her place n-ith her eyes still on Teddy.) Y"ou were at the 
dance in Molly Larkin's hall the night of the murder? 

Midge (gasps) — Yes, sir. (As she speuks she takes her 
(lazc from Teddy to the Attorney. After she finishes each 
speech she steals a quick glance at Teddy, and then back 
again to the Judge.) 

Attorney — ^When did you last see North? How long 
before the breaking up of the party? 

Midge (gasps) — I seen him then. 

Attorney — Yes. I know ; but when before? 

Midge — About fifteen minutes. 

Attorney — Where and how? 

Midge — I went outside with him. 

Attorney — Why ? 

Midge — 'Cause — 'cause somebody, I think it was me, 
wanted him to go. 

Attorney — ^Who else was with you? 

Midge (gasps) — Mis' Weston. 

Attorney — And Mrs. Weston asked him to go out? 

Midge — Y'es. sir ; her and me together. 

Attorney — Was anybody else there? 

Midge (gasps) — Yes, sir 

Attorney' — Who ? 

Midge — Mr. Weston 

Attorney — Oh ! Did you hear quarreling between Mr. 
AN'eston and North? 

Midge (slowly, fearfully) — Yes, sir. 

Attorney — Really quarreling — almost a fight? 

Midge — Yes, sir. 

Attorney — Did you hear what North said to Weston? 

(MIDGE looks 'at Teddy.) 

Teddy — Speak the truth. Midge ; don't be afraid, it'll come 
out all right in the end. 

Midge — I don't know — at least, I can't remember — I mean 
yes 

Attorney — Ah! He said that he would kill him? 

Midge — But she and me persuaded him not to, and he 
went out with me. 



64 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Attorney — And when he left you outside, where was he 
going? 

Midge — Back to the dance hall 

Attorney — Where you all found him soon after with the 
murdered man? 

Midge — l"es, sir 

Attorney — How long after? 

Midge — I don't know. 

Attorney — Were jou and North outside together, close 
by the door? 

Midge — No, sir ; we was down by the bottom of the steps. 

Attorney — Did you see anyone else go upstairs and into 
the room? 

Midge — No, sir. 

Attorney — Could anyone have gone up without your 
seeing them? 

Midge — I don't know — I mean, no, sir. 

(Audience shake their heads at their neighbors, Jury 
Bus.) 

Judge — Your witness, Mr. North. (ATTORNEY motions 
to Teddy. TEDDY rises.) 

Teddy — Midge dear 

Midge — Oh, Brother Teddy ! (Begins to cry softly.) 

(TEDDY almost breaks down himself at the sight of her 
tears: his lijhs- quiver as he speaks.) 

Teddy' (he pauses to control himself) — Midge, I'm aw- 
fully sorry to ask you this, but for my sake you'll have to 
brace up, little girl, and ans\Ver. I think there's a mistake 
in the minds of the jury about the cause of my quarrel 
with Mr. Weston, which you overheard. What was the 
cause? 

Midge (slowly, after a moment) — Me — it was me 

(JURY bus. Looks from one to the other; similar move- 
ment on the part of the jury.) 

Teddy — Was Mrs. Weston in any way mentioned? 

Midge — Why, you know. Brother Teddy 

Teddy — Yes, I know, little girl; but they don't! 

Midge — No, she hadn't nothing whatsoever to do with 
it. (JURY bus. The Public nod their heads to each other; 
the JURY shotvs intense interest.) 

Teddy — And the quarrel was because ? 

MiDGE^ — Because Mr. Weston had said to me what he 
hadn't ought to, and done what he hadn't ought to (begin- 
ning to cry again), and I told you 

Teddy — When we were outside, did I hurry back? 

MiDGE — No, we walked about for ever so long, till the 
mad was all cooled down out of you, and then we sat down 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY (T) 

;it the foot of the steps and I sang yon your song nil 
through 

Teddy — How many verses? 

Midge — Three. 

Tkddy — That would take from five to ten minutes, 
wouldn't it? 

Midge (eery afflrmativcly) — Well, I guess! 

Teddy — And when I went baclv to the hall, how did I 
appear? 

Midge (crying, speech hrolcen icith sohs) — 'Why, when 
you left me, you was liappy, and a-whistling. Oh, how 
could anyone think it was you done suc-h a thing ! (She 
breaks doicn entirely.) 

Teddy (tears in his eyes, and in a husky voice) — Thank 
you. Midge ; that'll do. (To Judge) Your Honor, I'm fin- 
ished with the witness. (Sits doicn.) 

(A sJiort pause. Several voices in the audience heard 
hloiving their noses, and clearing their throats. The Judge 
Icaxs over and speaks softly to the Sheriff. The Jury looks 
soh'DDi, and inscrutable. Teddy sits in his chair, his fore- 
head in his hand. Sheriff takes Midge to her seat; JOE 
rises and takes her beside Jiiiii. They sit with Joe's artn 
around her.) 

Judge — Bring in the next witness ! 

Attorney" — Mrs. Jessica Weston. 

(SHERIFF opens door and beckons. Intense curiosity on 
part of the public, who crane their necks to catch the first 
glimpse. Teddy lifts his head, with his face tense; he 
.<iteals his hand over the ledge of the bar, and seizing Ran- 
som's hand, holds it in a tight grasp. Enter MRS. WES- 
TON. Excited whispers among the public of "That's her, 
that's the wife." Led by the Sheriff, she takes her place at 
the iritness stand.) 

Attorney — Your name is? 

Mrs. Weston — Jessica Weston. 

Attorney — The widow of Mr. Weston? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes. 

Attorney — How long were you married? 

Mrs. Weston — Six years. 

Attorney — And during that time, wliat was the nature 
of your home life? 

Mrs. Weston — We never lived happily from the second 
week of our marriage. 

Attorney — Was your liusband a quarrelsome man? 

Mrs. Weston — No. not with wcit. 

Attorney' — Had he an.y strong enemy in Silverville beside 
the prisoner? (She looks at Teddy kindly a moment.) 



00 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Mrs. Weston — I do not know that Mr. North teas my 
hns))and's enemy 

Attorney — A man who wishes to marry another man's 
wife is more or less the enemy of the husband ? 

Mrs. Weston — I do not admit that Mr. North wished to 
marry me. 

Attorney — Do you deny that he was in love with you? 

;\Ir8. Weston — He never told me so. 

Attorney — There was not a tacit understanding that 
were you a widow — of course we will suppose by natural 
events — there would be a marriage between you and the 
prisoner? 

Mrs. Weston (indifiiwntly) — No ! 

Teddy (rising excitedly) — Your Honor, I object to the 
examination, which is an insult to this lady. I can fur- 
nish plent.v of proof that I was never anything but an 
object of derision to Mrs. Weston. 

.TtTDOE — The objection is not sustained. (TEDDY sits.) 

Attorney (irifJi meaning emphasis) — Since yoxi intJi 
fird IJris Mihjccl so duagreeahJe, w e will — leave it for the 
present. What tooli place between your husband and 
North, shortly before the murder, in your presence? 

^Irs. Weston (after a slight pause) — A quarrel — ^but my 
husband was to blame 

Attorney — ^Oh, naturally ! What was the object of the 
quarrel? 

?iTrs. Weston — Weston had insulted Mr. North's ward. 

Judge — Yoii were in nowise connected with the quarrel? 

Mr:s. Weston — No ! ]My husband would never have quar- 
reled over me. He would have been glad of no matter how 
compromising attentions, if they only kept out of his way. 

Attorney' — A man, then, you think, could not quarrel 
witli your husband over you? 

Mrs. Weston — No ! 

Attorney — Oh, it was necessary then in order to quarrel 
with your liusbard, 6li yovr accoiiiit, to bring about a dis- 
agreement on some other subject? (A general nlert move- 
ment among the public and the Jury as they folloio the 
Attorney's train of reasoning.) That is very simple— it 
has been done for many centuries. 

;Mrs. Weston (sort of helplessly) — I had nothing to do 
with the quarrel between the two men 

Judge — In this quarrel, were violent words used? 

:\Igs. Weston (after a short pause of unwillingness to 
speaJch — Y'es. 

Jt^dge — On the part of the prisoner? 

Mrs. Weston (same pause) — Yes. 

(Movement and whispering among the public. Exchange 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 67 

of glances among them. As the Judge asks his next ques- 
tion, Joe sh's the croivd into silence, and the silence and 
attitude of listening are more intense.) 

Attorney — You were trightened? 

Mrs. Weston (hesitates) — I 

Attorney — You begged North to withdraw? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes. 

Attorney — Then you were afraid of the oonsequeuces if 
he remained? (MRS. WESTON boivs her head in assent.) 
I presume, as you must have Ivuown North's reputation for 
strength, you did not fear anj- harm lie might receive from 
your husband? 

Mrs. Weston — No. (With slight scorn.) 

Attorney — And I talie it for granted, under tlie circum- 
stances, you had not any great solicitude for your husband? 
(A short pause.) There is only one other fear then left 
open to you. and that is the fear of the consequences for 
North should he harm more thau was lawful the man at 
whom she was enraged. Did the prisoner use specific terms 
in his threat? I must irarn you to remember that you are 
under oath ; and that I have already examined other eye- 
witnesses of the quarrel. Could you repeat what North 
said or even approximate his words? 

Mrs. Weston — No. 

Attorney — Not at all? 

Mrs. Weston — Not at all. 

Attorney — Did he say, for instance, " I'll knock you 
down"? (A derisive CTclamation, a sort of half laugh from 
Teddy.) 

^Irs. Weston — No. 

Attorney — He more probably said, " Fll kill you, or 
words to that effect? 

Mrs. Weston (still slightly scornful) — Much more prob- 
ably! 

Attorney — Ah ! (Short start on part of public.) 

Mrs. Weston (quickly) — As a man will do in a great rage 
without meaning literally what he says. 

Attorney — But in this case the man threatened icas 
killed not many minutes after. 

Mrs. Weston (slightly excited) — I saw Mr. North leave 
the room without harming my husband. 

Attorney — Did he say nothing about coming back? 
(MRS. WESTON does not answer.) You interrupted the 
quarrel for the moment, but was nothing said about resum- 
ing it later? (MRS. WESTON does not answer.) You 
heard my question? (She hesitates.) 

Judge — You can scarcely fail to see, madam, that your 



t;S THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

refusal to answer will be construed into an affirmative 
i-eply. 

Mks. Weston — No, no ! He is innocent ! 

Attorney — ^But there teas something said about return- 
ing later to finish the quarrel? 

Mks. Weston — Yes, but (Interrupted.) 

Attorney (iiiterruptiitc/) — After North left the room what 
happened ? 

jNIks. Weston — I had some words with my husband 

(Iiitemipted.) 

Attorney — About North? 

ilRS. Weston — ^No, no ! Then I went into the dressing- 
room beyond with Miss Prissims, to ask her not to repeat 
what she had overheard. 

Attorney' — You left your husband alone in the dance 
hall? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes. 

Attorney — What called you back, a noise? 

Mrs. Weston — No, I heard nothing ; I came back to .join 
my guests. 

Attorney — And during all this time where was your 
pistol? 

Mrs. Weston (confused) — I — I don't know ; I gave it to 
someone early in the evening to put aside — while I was 
dancing. 

Attorney — To irJioin did you give it? 

INIrs. Weston (cvadinfi) — There were several men near 
me ; it made no difference to whom I gave it, it was placed 
one side at once 

Attorney — Did you give it to North? 

Mrs. Weston (after a short pause) — Yes. (A long sigh 
from the audienee.) 

(MRS. WESTOy begins to groiP terrified as she sees to 
irhat her repiies are leading.) 

Attorney — To go to your entering the room again where 
.voii had left your husband, what did you first see? 

Mrs. Weston (groiving more and more terrified) — Noth- 
ing — it was — dark ! — all dark ! 

Attorney — You came slowly forward? 

Mrs. Weston (seeing the scene before her as kIic speaks, 
and forgetting the Courtroom and her audience) — Till I saw 
.w»(cthing like a shadow lying in the moonlight ; and I 
went toward it. not dreaming what it was, till I reached 
the dead l)ody of m.v husband. I looked up in terror, and 

above it stood ! My God ! (&he breaks off terrified 

at tvhat .s7/c is about to sag. The Jury have leaned slightly 
fortrard. The Public is motionless, fearful of losing a 
irord.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY GO 

Attorney — You satr North, with your jiistol in liis Iiand. 
(She f/azcs, (hued, ahead of her, without speaking. Bus.) 

JuDciE — Come, come, madam; wliat did you see? 

Mrs. Weston (as if in a trance) — I don't Ivuow — I don't 
know. 

Attorney — You sair North! 

Mrs. Weston (still partly d-ascd) — Yes, I saw North ; 
they all know that 

Attorney — You saw Noi'th standing over the body of the 
man — you had heard him threaten to kill? 

Mrs. Weston (breathlessly) — Y'es. 

Attorney — You had heard North leave this man with 
the pronuse to finish the quarrel later? 

]Mrs. Weston (same) — ^Y'es — — 

Attorney — Y'ou had given him your pistol during the 
evening, and that i)istol was found beside the dead man 

Teddy (rhnny)—! object (Interrupted.) You are 

leading her on to convict me 

Mrs. Weston — I! — I — convict him! (She Ijecomes wild. 
h.ystcrical.) The man is innocent. If I convict him, let me 
swear again every word I have spoken is a lie. (JURY 
Bl S. She sinkx info the iritness chair, her face hurled in 
her arms, sohhiini aloud. MIDGE goes to Mrs. Weston, and 
putting her arms around her, comforts her. Excitement 
mnong the Public — movement among the Jurors. Teddy sits 
down.) 

Jim (in the crowd) — She have spoken the truth — she 
take it back because she love him. 

Sheriff — Order ! 

Jim — She know he kill her man ! 

Judge — Order ! or I'll clear the Court ! (To Mrs. Wes- 
ton.) Are you aware of the meaning of perjury, madam, 
and of its punishment? 

Mrs. Weston (controlling her sobs and rising) — I would 
rather be punished for perjury than convict an innocent 
man. (Applause from the piiMic and hisses frorrit Jim.), 

Judge (raps for order) — Silence! Silence! 

(The public is quiet. The Judge motions to the Attorney 
to continue.) 

Attorney (to Mrs. Weston) — ^That night when you found 
North above the dead Iiody of your husband, you did not 
think he had killed him? 

Mrs. Weston — He himself has sworn to his innocence 

Attorney — But at the scene of the murder, and beside 

the hodii — the supreme test — he confessed his guilt (To 

the Judge.) Your Honor, I am finished with the witness. 
(He sits. Judge motions to Teddy. Mrs. Weston turns and 
looks timidly, pleadingly to Teady, much distressed ^at what 



70 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

she has already said; slie icishes his forgiveness, while 
she dreads her future answers. Teddy rises slowly, as if 
dreading the ordeal; he does not look at Mrs. Weston until 
he has risen, then he slowly turns and faces her — they 
look into each other's eyes a moment, then Teddy drops 
his and takes a long breath.) 

Teddy — Mrs. Weston, you just now said you believed in 

Mrs. Weston — Absolutely ! 
my innocence? 

Teddy (affirmatively) — But your evidence was true all 
the same? (iihe nods affirmatively.) Only your belief in 
my innocence is so great that you thought perjury justifi- 
able, if necessary, to save my being unjustly condemned? 

Mrs. Weston (very low voice) — Yes. 

Teddy' (very embarrassed) — I must now ask you an aw- 
fully embarrassing question. There is an opinion in the 
Court that it isn't so much absolute belief in my innocence 
as love for me that has influenced you in my behalf. The 
only way to properly disabuse their minds is for me to 
ask you a question outright, and you will speak the truth, 
won't you? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes. 

Teddy (desperately; very slowly) — Mrs. Weston, do you 
love me? 

(MUSIC PP.) 

Mrs. Weston (surprised, afraid) — The truth? I am to 
speak the truth? 

Teddy — Yes, on your oath, the triith (A short pause. 

3/7? .S'. WESTON looks into Teddy's eyes, and the love hith- 
erto concealed, wells up into her own. MUSIC, very piano, 
"/ love a lovely girl, I do.") 

Mrs. Weston (slowly) — Yes, I love you better than all 
the world! (JURY BUS. General movement from Public 
and Jury. Attorney nods his head to Jury, as much ■as to 
say. "/ told you so." TEDDY is oblivious of everything 
except Mrs. Westo7i's words; he has even forgotten that 
they rcere against his case. He makes a sudden movement 
of great surprise and looks at her dumbfounded, unable to 
speak, or even to breathe for a second. She gazes back into 
his eyes, she, too, forgetful for the moment of her surround- 
ings. The pause should be held as long as possible. Finally 
Teddy makes a movement and gesture of not being able to 
comprehend it or realize it. He turns questioningly to 
Ransom. Ransom smiles very slightly, but sympathetically, 
back. Teddy leans over and ichispers to Ransom. Ransom 
nods his head emphatically.) 

Teddy — Pete! Pete! Did I hear right? (Embracing 
Pete. MUSIC STOPS. PETE nods his head again. He 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 71 

turn}! to Judge. Your Honor, will you kindly ask the wit- 
ness to repeat the ansiierf 

Judge — The witness stated that she did love you. which 
is what the State maintained. 

Teddy — / never guessed it! Never! 

Judge — The point is that her love for you naturally prej- 
udices her in your favor, and accounts for her belief in 
your innocence. Do you wish to further examine the wit- 
ness? 

Teddy — Well. I should say I did. (Pull hip himftelf to- 
ffether. He looks at Mrs. Weston, and the tenderness eomes 
hack into his eyes.) Jessica, on that awful night (In- 
terrupted.) 

Judge — Address the witness as Mrs. Weston, please ; this 
is a trial, not a courtshiii. 

Teddy — Did I ever make love to you? 

jMrs. Weston — No. 

Teddy— Did you ever give me any idea that you loved 
me? 

INIrs. Weston — I didn't love you until the night of the 
dance ; and I didn't realize I loved you until the day 
after ■ 

Teddy — Really ! What made you ? (Interrupted.) 

Judge — That question is not pertinent. 

Teddy — Excuse me, your Honor. (He turns to Mrs. Wes- 
fnn, and thron-s her a kiss slyJri.) You first saw me after 
the deed standing over the body? 

Mrs. Weston — Yes. 

Teddy — Could you say I had not entered the room at the 
same time as you? 

Mrs. Weston (catching the idea) — No, no! Why not? 
That was it! 

Teddy — Was the room dark enough to hide my entering? 

^Irs. Weston — Of course it was. It was all black, except 
where the moonlight streamed 

Teddy (to Mrs. Weston) — Thank you. (To Judge) I have 
finished with the witness, your Honor. (He sits.) 

(MRk^. WESTON goes to a seat ivhich is ready for her 
hji Midge, an'd in front of the rest of the public, led by 
Teddy.) 

Attorney — That is the case for the Prosecution, your 
Honor. 

Judge — How much time, gentlemen, would you like to 
sum up? 

Teddy — I shall not take five minutes, your Honor. (Goes 
back to seat.) 

Attorney' — Your honor, I shall not take as much. (JURY 
BUS. Movement among Jury and among Public. Teddy 



72 THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 

Kits. Judffe speaks a word to the Sheriff and then nods to 
Teddy to go on. Teddy makes ready to address the Jury. 
The Piiblie take their settled positions and sit rigid — ahso- 
liite quiet. Teddii rises. Second's pause before he begins.) 

Teddy — Your Honor : I shall not attempt to stir yovir 
blood with any ornamental rhetoric, nor wet your eyes with 
any pathetic appeal. I wish to trust my life not to your 
emotions, but to your common sense. I am innocent, and 
knowing that, I have not been, and am not now afraid to 
trust myself alone and otherwise undefended to your un- 
prejudiced judsmient. 1 could have brought famous law- 
yers from the East to defend me, but I didn't feel I needed 
them. Out here in the great West it is the truth we ai'e 
looking after, and we know it when we see it. 

Omnes — You're right, etc. You bet we do. 

(Slight pause. " Oood, good!" from erowd.) 

Teddy — It's the truth that I offer in my defense, and 
that I can do without help from anyone. My Eastern life 
is open to you — ^my college record — and afterwards in New 
York. Not a slur has my opponent been able to cast upon 
my character! And out here in Colorado (turns), is there 
a man in this room, or outside under God's sky for miles 
aroiuid, that can accuse me of ever — doing anyone an in- 
jury or of having committed a dishonest act? (Pause. 
Loud "No, no!" from the pvblie.) 

Judge — Address the jury, not the public. 

Teddy' — I beg your jtardon. Witnesses have proved to 
you that I have ahvays been on the side of Law and Order. 
The only thing that could rightly tell against me was my- 
self giving myself up that night. But what I did was only 
natural ; fevery man values more highly than his own life 
the life of the woman he holds most dear. That is the 
very essence of love, whether it's for the woman you wish 
to make your tvife. or for the woman who brought you 
into the world ! Your action may be wise or foolish, but 
at such a moment you don't ireigh your act! ("You bet" 
etc.. from crotad) — "Of eourse." JIM. unseen among the 
public, hisses.) Gentlemen, I claim some husband, or 
brother, or honest lover, unlawfull.v avenged himself on 
Weston ; not I. The pistol was there for anyone to find 
and use. The circumstance which seems so fatal to me can 
be made equally fatal to any number of imaginary cases, 
and that they do not and cannot prove me guilty. I main- 
tain, standing here with my life spread out before you, and 
swearing by everything I hold holy, as I believe in an eter- 
nal life, that I am innocent — innocent — innocent! 

(CROWD count three, then applaud.) 

Attorney (rising quickly and speaking excitedly) — Facts, 



THE I COWBOY* AND THE LADY TH 

your Honor, facts! Gentlemen of the Jury — fac-ts! The 
accused has not disi)roved our of the facts that couvict him 
of the murder. He has denied them : that is usual. He 
has pointed out some other might have connnitted the 
crime ; that is also customary ! I do not claim for a mo- 
ment that Edward North is, or even has been, a depraved 
character — but I do maintain that in an access of abnormal 
anger he did lill Weston, for that is proved, I l>elieve, by 
the facts, and on these facts I rest my case. (He sits.) 

(Audience whispers to eavJi other. The Public is still 
deeply depressed. Only one or tiro speak to each other in 
silent u'liispers. The Jury silently icliispcr uniong them- 
selves. The Foreman speaks a word to the man behind 
him, ivho nods his head.) 

Judge — Mr. Foreman, gentlemen (A look from the 

Forem-an toward the other Jurymen, who each nod in the 
afftrmative to the Foreman.) 

Foreman (rising) — May it please your Honor, the Jury 
are ready with their verdict, without leaving the room 

(Great eommotion and excitement among the Public; 
those at the back rise to see better.) 

Clerk — The prisoner will please rise and face his Jury. 

(TEDDY rises and calmly, but with a set face, looks at 
the Jury.) 

Judge — Mr. Foreman, we are ready. (JURY rises.) 

Foreman (slowly, impressive) — May it please your 
Honor, we find the prisoner guilty of murder in the tirst 
degree. 

Clerk — So say you, Mr. Foreman? So say you all? 

(ALL bow their heads in solemn aljirmution. A short 
siloice. TEDDY half sways back and forth, but immedi- 
ately becomes rigid, keeping liis gaze upon the Jury. At 
the giving of the sentence MRS. WESTON, with a loud 
breath of )iorror, has risen from her seat.) 

Judge — Edward North, have you anything fxirther to say 
why sentence should not be passed upon you for the crime 
of which you are convicted? 

(In amongst the Public there is a commotion. ivJiich begins 
during this speech of the Judge; as he pnishes the commo- 
tion is greater. MOLLY is trying to speak, and is making 
inarticulate sounds. JIM'S hand is ocer her mouth, and 
he is saying. "Keep quiet!" "Stop!" etc. Another voice 
says. "Let her alone!" .And with a wild cry, MOLLY 
breaks loose.) 

Molly — Wait ! Wait ! He didn't do it, .so help me God ! 

Jim — Shut your .law ! 

Molly (pushing her way out from among the people) — I 
was in my x'oom that night all the time. I swore false 



74 THE COWBOY AND ' TUfe LADY 

when I said I went down the I'oad ! '("^S/fc i's out from among 
the people Inj tioir.) I know who did it! (Xes to l.J 

Jim— Dat's a lie! (Great eommotion among public.) . 

Judge — Order, or I"ll clear the Court! 

Molly — Lenime kiss the hook! I'te bieen afraid of him, 
hut I can't see no innocent man swing for what he done. 
I'll tell you who did it! (Xes up to table, takes book.) 

Jim — Don't you speak a word! 

Molly — Ginnne the hook ! (MOLLY seising tJie hook.) 
(ihnnie the book! (Presses it td her Upi^—at that moment 
■HM shoots her. With a half cry, half groan, she falls 
iii.'<tniitly to the floor. Tremendous commotion. The Public 
fail on Jim, ivho tries to make his escape. 3Irs'. Weston 
conies forirard quickly to Molly; also Judge gdes to her, 
and Teddy.) 

Joe and Crowd — Shoot him ! Don't let him get out — 
shoot! , . , ,,,^,,i 

(There is a great noise, all ^?'0?/^7«.(7.A''\\'!'' ','/.,.' ';!?.'./.', 

Teddy (sjirings to the n'oiinl,' climbing 'ii^ on ihmroacks 
and hreaki)\g through them.) — Boys! Boys, stop! — for 
(Jod's sake, don't kill him ! Don't you see, with the woman 
dead, only lie can save me? 

The Crowd (not hearing Teddy)— i^^hoot him down ! Kill 
him ! (JIM in extreme corner e. dowri stag^, thrown now, 
irilli Joe holding him down.) '. . ' '''' 

Teddy (with a supreme effort TEDDt breaks through the 
croird and reaches Joe, Pete and Jim. The croird falls 
h'ick and </radnally r/roic quiet. To Jim) Give him to me! 
He's mine! He belongs to me. (MRf^. WESTON, DAVE 
and SHERIFF, RAXSOM and d DOCTOR front. tJie crowd 
have carried Moll]/ into the room irhere the witnesses 
icrrc.) 

Judge (to Teddy) — Bring the man here! (TEDDY brings 
JIM to Judge; throirs him l. JIM is sullen and dogged. 
To JIM) wiiy did you shoot your sweetheart?' 

Jim — She talk too much. 

Judge — Y"ou know you will hang for it -1 

Jim — Naw ! She not dead — Jim only make her tongue 
(luiet. Jim frighten Molly, hut Jim not kill her - 

Judge — Why were you afraid to have her tell who killed 
Weston? (JIM does not ansirer.) 

Teddy (irith great intensity) — He's got to speak! 

Jim — Jim won't speak. 

Teddy — Your Honor, he must , . . ,, 

(Re-enter MRS. WESTON : she goes to ' pib' ^';J^Udge.)^ 

'SIRS. Weston — The woman is dead! ' ' .' ' ' 

Jim — Molly? (He stands as if in a trance.) ' 

Judge (to Jim)— You've taken the life (Interrupted.) 



THE COWBOY AND THE LADY 75 

Teddy (interrupts) — Your Honor (with a motion ta- 
na nl Jim, whose lips are quivering and moving, as if to 
ftpcah'.j 

Jim (to himself, half singing) — Jim didn't mean to do 
tliiit. Jim's tried it, and he don't want no life without 
Molly. The sun would set forever behind her grave and 
the stars be blind and the moon go mad! (He pauses a 
second, and then looks up and speaks aloud.) Don't hurry, 
Molly — Jim, he coming after; he catch up with you. (To 
those about him.) It was me killed Weston, because he 
try to take away Jim's girl — now you 'uns kill Jim! 

(A loud '"Ah!" from the Public, who are some stand- 
iii<;. .^ome sitting, and in disorder. MRS. WESTON seizes 
Teddy's arm. He holds her hand. MIDGE comes quickly 
to the other side of Teddy, mid then takes that arm.) 

Sheriff (enters from b. b.) — Your Honor, the witness is 
coming to. She will live ! (There is a movement of sur- 
prise. Then JIM makes a bolt to escape b. The CROWD 
ineet and stop him with cries, laughs and jeers.) 

Judge — Arrest the half-breed ! (SHERIFF goes to Jim.) 
The Court will take a recess until to-morrow morning at 
nine o'clock. 

Teddy (c, going to Mrs. Weston) — You know what you 
said under oath, you'll have to stick to it ! 

Mrs. Weston ^c.^— I'm game ! 

Teddy— Bully ! 

QUICK CURTAIN. 



APR 9 190' 



